Intracellular Fluid

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-K+ is the most important determinant of intracellular osmotic pressure
-Na+ is the most important determinant of extracellular osmotic pressure
-due to impermeable cell membranes the intracellular compartment contains high intracellular protein concentration
-Na+/K+ ATPase prevents intracellular hyperosmolality

Clinical example: during ischemia/hypoxia:
-leads to interruption of Na+/K+ ATPase
-creates progressive cellular swelling due to the resultant hyperosmolality
-eventual cell damage
ex. cerebral edema