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active transport
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the process of moving molecules across a cellular membrane through the use of cellular energy
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adenosine 5-triphosphate (ATP)
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a coenzyme that works with enzymes to transfer energy by releasing phosphate groups
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anions
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negatively charged ions
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cations
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positively charged ions
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cytoplasm
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fluid inside a cell but outside the nucleus
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effector
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an organ or tissue that receives information from the control center and acts to bring about the changes needed for homeostasis
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extracellular fluid
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the fluid that surrounds the cells of the body
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feedback loop
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a part of homeostasis that provides a mechanism for the body to maintain stability
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homeostasis
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a state of balance
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homeostatic mechanism
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a process that maintains the stability of the internal environment in response to fluctuations to external environmental conditions
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homeostatic response system
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a self-regulating process in which the body maintains stability
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hydrostatic pressure
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the pressure that any fluid in a confined space exerts
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hyperosmolality
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a condition in which the concentration of solutes in a solution is higher than normal
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hypertonicity
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a condition in which the tonicity of a solution is higher than that of the cytoplasm of a cell
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hypoosmolality
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a state in which the concentration of solutes in a solution is lower than normal
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hypotonicity
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a state in which the tonicity of a solution is lower than that of the cytoplasm of a cell
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interstitial compartment
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fluid that surrounds tissue cells
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intracellular fluid
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fluid that is contained within the cells of the body
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intravascular compartment
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fluid inside the blood cells and plasma
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ions
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atoms or groups of atoms that have one or more positive or negative electrical charges
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iso-osmolality
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a state in which the concentration of solutes in a solution is equal
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isotonicity
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a state in which the tonicity of a solution is equal to that of the cytoplasm of a cell
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Na
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K
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ATPase pump
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a protein pump that acts to transport sodium and potassium ions across the cell membrane by using adenosine 5-triphosphate (ATP)
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negative feedback
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a homeostatic process that counteracts a change, bringing the parameter back toward its set point
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osmolality
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the number of solute particles per kilogram of solvent
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osmole
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a unit of osmotic concentration
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osmosis
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the movement of water molecules from a solution with a high concentration of water molecules to a solution with a lower concentration of water molecules, through a cell’s semipermeable membrane
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osmotic equilibrium
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a state when the concentration of a solute in water is the same on both sides of a semipermeable membrane
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osmotic pressure
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the minimum pressure that must be applied to a solution to halt the flow of solvent molecules through a semipermeable membrane
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positive feedback
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feedback that amplifies or magnifies a change
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receptor
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part of the homeostatic system that receives information regarding balance within the body
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semipermeable membrane
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a membrane that allows certain molecules or ions to pass through it by diffusion or active transport
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solutes
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dissolved substances
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tonicity
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the ability of a solution to cause a cell to gain or lose water; it is relative to the cytoplasm of a cell
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transcellular compartment
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a small volume of fluid that is contained within certain body cavities and structures, also known as third space
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transient change
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a temporary change that can occur before the body returns to a steady state of homeostasis