OSMOREGULATION Meaning and
Definition
-
Osmoregulation is the process by which living organisms maintain a balance of water and dissolved substances within their bodies, regardless of the external conditions. It involves the regulation of osmotic pressure, which is the measure of the concentration of solutes in a solution, ensuring that it remains suitable for the proper functioning of cells and tissues.
In most animals, osmoregulation is essential to maintain the balance between water uptake and loss, as well as salt and ion regulation. Marine animals, for example, need to expel excess salt taken in from the surrounding seawater, while freshwater organisms face the challenge of preventing excessive water intake and maintaining adequate salt concentrations. Terrestrial organisms, on the other hand, must prevent dehydration in arid environments and excrete waste products effectively.
Osmoregulation involves various mechanisms such as filtration, selective reabsorption, and excretion. Animals achieve this through specialized organs, such as kidneys or gills, which help filter and eliminate waste materials and maintain the necessary water and ion balance. Plants also engage in osmoregulation through processes like transpiration, where water and dissolved substances are transported through specialized tissues.
Failure in efficient osmoregulation can lead to health issues, dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, and ultimately, hindrance in normal cellular activity. This process is vital for the survival and well-being of organisms, allowing them to adapt to different environmental conditions and maintain internal homeostasis.
Common Misspellings for OSMOREGULATION
- ismoregulation
- ksmoregulation
- lsmoregulation
- psmoregulation
- 0smoregulation
- 9smoregulation
- oamoregulation
- ozmoregulation
- oxmoregulation
- odmoregulation
- oemoregulation
- owmoregulation
- osnoregulation
- oskoregulation
- osjoregulation
- osmiregulation
- osmkregulation
- osmlregulation
- osmpregulation
- osm0regulation
- osmoreghulation
- osmoregullation
- Osmeregullation
- Osmreulation
Etymology of OSMOREGULATION
The word "osmoregulation" is derived from the combination of two roots - "osmo" and "regulation".
The root "osmo" comes from the Greek word "ὄσμος" (osmos), meaning "a push", "thrust", or "impulse". It conveys the concept of pressure or concentration.
The root "regulation" comes from the Latin word "regulare", which means "to control" or "to direct".
When combined, these roots form "osmoregulation", which refers to the biological process by which organisms regulate the concentration of fluids and solutes (such as salts and water) within their bodies in order to maintain proper function and balance.
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
