Isotónískir

Isotónískir is an Icelandic term that translates to "isotonic" in English. In a physiological context, it refers to a solution that has the same osmotic pressure as a biological fluid, such as blood plasma or intracellular fluid. This means that the concentration of solutes in an isotonic solution is equal to that in the biological fluid, resulting in no net movement of water across a semipermeable membrane, like a cell membrane.

The concept of isotonicity is crucial in medicine, particularly in intravenous fluid therapy. When administering fluids to patients, it is essential to use isotonic solutions to prevent damage to red blood cells. If red blood cells are placed in a hypotonic solution (lower solute concentration), water will move into the cells, causing them to swell and potentially burst (hemolysis). Conversely, if they are placed in a hypertonic solution (higher solute concentration), water will move out of the cells, causing them to shrink and shrivel (crenation).

Common examples of isotonic solutions used in healthcare include normal saline (0.9% sodium chloride solution) and Lactated Ringer's solution. These solutions are designed to be compatible with the body's natural fluid balance and are widely used for hydration, electrolyte replacement, and as a vehicle for administering medications. The term "isotónískir" is therefore a direct Icelandic equivalent used when discussing these physiological and medical principles within the Icelandic language.