One that has a lower osmotic pressure than a standard (reference) solution.
A solution having an osmotic pressure less than that of cells or body fluids; a solution that will cause water to enter cells, thus inducing swelling and possibly lysis.
A hypotonic solution is one that has a lower concentration than blood plasma or the fluid within cells. When such a solution is introduced into the body, the water from the solution will traverse the cell walls, moving into the cells. If the solution is excessively diluted, such as pure water, the body’s cells may become overly engorged and subsequently rupture. Intravenous fluids are usually isotonic, meaning they possess the same concentration as the fluids within cells, except when utilized for treating dehydration, where they are mildly hypotonic.
A solution with osmotic pressure lower than that of blood serum.