

These two compartments are separated by cell membranes, and are very different in their composition (i.e.

It can be expressed as ‘osmolarity’ or ‘osmolality’: Osmotic potential is determined by the number of osmotically active particles per litre. Fluid at lower osmotic potential is hypotonic.Fluid at higher osmotic potential is hypertonic.Fluid at the same osmotic potential as plasma is hypotonic.The creation of osmotic gradients is the primary method for the movement of water in the body.
THREE BODY FLUID COMPARTMENTS FREE
‘Osmosis is the movement of water across a semi-permeable membrane from regions of low solute concentration to those of higher concentration’.īiological membranes are semi-permeable – they allow the free movement of water but restrict the movement of solutes.
