Clinical Applications for the solutions

Clinical Applications

Isotonic, Hypotonic, and Hypertonic Solutions

In this lecture you have to learn how to distinguish between Hypotonic and Hypertonic solution according to Isotonic .
Water moves readily across cell membranes through special protein-lined channels, and if the total concentration of all dissolved solutes is not equal on both sides, there will be net movement of water molecules into or out of the cell. Whether there is net movement of water into or out of the cell and which direction it moves depends on whether the cell’s environment is isotonic, hypotonic, or hypertonic.

Cells in Isotonic Solutions

When two environments are isotonic, the total molar concentration of dissolved solutes is the same in both of them.
When cells are in isotonic solution, movement of water out of the cell is exactly balanced by movement of water into the cell. A 0.9% solution of NaCl (saline) is isotonic to animal cells. When exposing animal tissues to solutions, it is common to use an isotonic solution such as Ringer s buffered saline so as to prevent osmotic effects and consequent damage to cells.

Cells in Hypotonic Solutions

In a hypotonic solution the total molar concentration of all dissolved solute particles is less than that of another solution or less than that of a cell.

If concentrations of dissolved solutes are less outside the cell than inside, the concentration of water outside is correspondingly greater.
When a cell is exposed to such hypotonic conditions, there is net water movement into the cell. Cells without walls will swell and may burst (lyse) if excess water is not removed from the cell.
Cells with walls often benefit from the turgor pressure that develops in hypotonic environments.