Solutions are the basic medium for all biochemical processes in the human body. In this chapter, we examine solutions as multicomponent physicochemical systems. You will study the nature of solvents, the mechanisms of solubility of solids, liquids, and gases, as well as the key physical properties of solutions that determine their behavior in biological media.
The central theme of this section is solution concentration. For a future physician, the ability to work confidently with concentrations (especially molar concentration) is not just a line item in the curriculum, but a vital skill. Without it, understanding the principles of infusion therapy, pharmacokinetics, and the interpretation of laboratory tests is impossible.
During practical classes and colloquia, instructors most strictly evaluate the ability to solve problems involving the calculation of molar concentration and the interconversion of its various expressions. The physical properties of solutions (ebullioscopy, cryoscopy, osmosis) are also frequent topics for quizzes. The materials in this section will help you structure the theory and practice for error-free calculations.