The correct spelling of the term isotonic salt solution is /aɪsəʊˈtɒnɪk sɔːlt səˈluːʃən/. The word isotonic is derived from the Greek word iso meaning "equal" and tonos meaning "tension." The prefix iso- is pronounced /aɪsəʊ/ and refers to "equal." The suffix -tonic is pronounced /tɒnɪk/ and means "pressure" or "tension." The word salt is pronounced /sɔːlt/. Finally, the word solution is pronounced /səˈluːʃən/. Therefore, isotonic salt solution is a solution with equal tension pressure as bodily fluids.
An isotonic salt solution is a solution that has the same concentration of dissolved particles as the fluid inside a cell or the body's extracellular fluid. It is composed of water and a balanced amount of salt, usually sodium chloride, which creates an environment where the concentration of solutes both inside and outside the cell or body fluid is equal. This isotonicity ensures that there is no net movement of water across the cell membrane or between compartments, resulting in no change in cell volume or fluid balance.
In the medical field, isotonic salt solutions are commonly used in various procedures and treatments. For instance, in intravenous therapy, isotonic saline solutions are infused into the bloodstream to replenish fluid and electrolyte balance. These solutions are also used in the preparation of medications and for rinsing and cleaning wounds and body cavities. In addition, isotonic salt solutions are utilized in laboratory settings for tissue and cell cultures, as well as in biological research experiments.
The term "isotonic" is derived from the Greek words "iso," meaning equal, and "tonos," meaning tension. Therefore, an isotonic salt solution creates an equal tension or balance on both sides of a cell membrane or within body fluids. It is important to note the term "isotonic" pertains specifically to the osmotic concentration and does not imply the pH or specific chemical composition of the solution.
A solution of sodium chloride having the same density or osmotic tension as the blood serum; a physiological salt solution, one which, when injected into the blood-vessels, will cause neither a swelling nor a shrinking of the red corpuscles.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.