When body fluids have a solute concentration that is greater than the concentration of solutes in the cells, they are referred to as ____.

Question

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When body fluids have a solute concentration that is greater than the concentration of solutes in the cells, they are referred to as hypertonic. This means that there is a higher concentration of solutes outside the cell than inside, which can lead to water leaving the cell and causing it to shrink or undergo crenation. Hypertonicity can be harmful to cells and can occur in conditions such as dehydration or diabetes.

When Body Fluids Have a Solute Concentration That Is Greater