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Diffusion - Physiology (view source)
Revision as of 13:26, 10 December 2010
, 13:26, 10 December 2010no edit summary
==Introduction==
==Introduction==
==Ficks Law==
==Ficks Law==
[[Image:simpdifdiag.jpg|right|thumb|250px|<small><center>A Simple Schematic Diagram of Diffusion Across a Cell Membrane(Courtesy of Mariana Ruiz Villarreal)</center></small>]]
[[Image:simpdifdiag.jpg|right|thumb|250px|<small><center>A Simple Schematic Diagram of Diffusion Across a Cell Membrane(Courtesy of Mariana Ruiz Villarreal)</center></small>]]
<big>'''Q = DA((C<sub>1</sub> - C<sub>2</sub>) ÷ L)'''</big>
'''Q''' = the transport rate of a substance by diffusion
'''D''' = The diffusion coefficient
'''A''' = The cross sectional area which the substance is to diffuse across
'''C<sub>1</sub> C<sub>2</sub>''' = The concentrations in the two areas
'''L''' = distance separating the two areas
Ficks law demonstrates that the rate of diffusion can be maximised by increasing the area over which diffusion can occur, minimising the distance it has to occur over and increasing the gradient it occurs along. In the body it tends to be the former two which are taken into account when adapting surfaces for diffusion to occur over.
Ficks law demonstrates that the rate of diffusion can be maximised by increasing the area over which diffusion can occur, minimising the distance it has to occur over and increasing the gradient it occurs along. In the body it tends to be the former two which are taken into account when adapting surfaces for diffusion to occur over.
* This occurs passively down the concentration gradient.
* This occurs passively down the concentration gradient.
[[Category:Urinary System]]
[[Category:Transport Across Membranes]]