QUESTION IMAGE
Question
solute concentrations are not only important for red blood cells, but also for the organs of the body, like the brain. the nutrients for the brain are delivered by the blood vessels. the wall of the blood vessels are semi - permeable membranes that allow free water to move between the blood and the matrix of the brain. in the image, is the blood hypertonic, isotonic, or hypotonic compared to the matrix of the brain?
hypertonic
isotonic
hypotonic
The blood - brain barrier maintains homeostasis. For normal function, the blood is isotonic compared to the brain matrix to prevent osmotic imbalances that could damage brain cells. If blood were hypertonic, water would be drawn out of brain cells, and if hypotonic, water would rush in, causing swelling.
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Isotonic