Hypertonic

From WikiMD's Food, Medicine & Wellness Encyclopedia

Hypertonic refers to a solution with higher osmotic pressure than another solution. In the context of biology, a hypertonic solution may be one that has a higher concentration of solutes outside the cell than inside the cell. This can lead to water moving out of the cell in an attempt to balance the concentration of solites, causing the cell to shrink.

Causes[edit | edit source]

Hypertonic conditions can be caused by a variety of factors, including dehydration, excessive salt intake, and certain medical conditions such as diabetes.

Effects[edit | edit source]

The effects of a hypertonic environment on a cell can be severe. The loss of water can cause the cell to shrink, which can disrupt its normal functioning. In extreme cases, it can even lead to cell death.

Treatment[edit | edit source]

Treatment for hypertonic conditions typically involves addressing the underlying cause. This may include rehydration, reducing salt intake, or managing the medical condition causing the hypertonicity.

See Also[edit | edit source]

Hypertonic Resources
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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD