Anatomy & Physiology: The Unity of Form and Function, 7th Edition

Published by McGraw-Hill Education
ISBN 10: 0073403717
ISBN 13: 978-0-07340-371-7

Chapter 1 - Section 1.6 - Study Guide - Assess Your Learning Outcome - Page 24: 8

Answer

A gradient is a difference in concentrations, and can be exemplified physiologically by gradients of electrical charge, pressure, temperature, or chemical compound concentration. Matter or energy flows down a gradient as it moved from a point of high value to a point of low value.

Work Step by Step

For example, a neuron maintains an ion gradient with a higher extracellular concentration of sodium and a higher intracellular concentration of potassium.
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