HOSA Dental Terminology Practice

Which process involves the movement of substances across a semipermeable membrane?

1. Filtration

2. Diffusion

3. Dialysis

4. Absorption

The correct answer is: Dialysis

The correct response highlights the process of dialysis, which specifically refers to the movement of solutes across a semipermeable membrane. This process is essential in medicine, particularly in kidney function and treatments for kidney failure, as it allows for the selective removal of waste products from the blood while retaining important molecules and ions. In dialysis, a semipermeable membrane acts as a barrier that permits certain small molecules to pass through while preventing larger molecules and cells from moving. This allows for the exchange of substances based on concentration gradients, effectively cleansing the blood of toxins. Understanding this process is crucial in various contexts, particularly in healthcare settings where dialysis is employed. The ability of the membrane to selectively allow substances to pass is a key characteristic of dialysis, making it distinct from other processes such as filtration, which typically involves the physical separation of larger particles from liquids, and absorption or diffusion, which might not necessarily involve a semipermeable membrane.