isotonilised

Isotonilised refers to a solution that has the same osmotic pressure as a biological fluid. In medicine and biology, this is often compared to the osmotic pressure of blood plasma. A solution that is isotonilised is said to be isotonic. When cells, such as red blood cells, are placed in an isotonic solution, they neither swell nor shrink because the concentration of solutes is equal on both sides of the cell membrane. This means there is no net movement of water into or out of the cell via osmosis.

Isotonic solutions are crucial in medical applications, particularly for intravenous fluid administration. Saline solutions, such as 0.9% sodium chloride, are commonly used as isotonic fluids. Administering isotonic solutions helps maintain the body's fluid balance and electrolyte concentrations without disrupting cellular integrity. If a solution is hypotonic (lower solute concentration), water will move into cells, causing them to swell and potentially burst. Conversely, if a solution is hypertonic (higher solute concentration), water will move out of cells, causing them to shrink and shrivel. Therefore, ensuring a solution is isotonilised is vital for safe and effective medical treatments. The concept also applies to other biological contexts, like contact lens solutions, which are designed to be isotonic with the fluid in the eye.