What is the term for a solution having an equal concentration of dissolved solute compared to a standard of reference?

The term that refers to a solution having an equal concentration of dissolved solute compared to a standard of reference is isotonic. In an isotonic solution, the concentration of solutes is the same inside and outside of a cell or tissue, which is crucial in embalming and other medical processes. This balance prevents the movement of water in or out of the cells through osmosis, thereby maintaining cell integrity and function.

In the context of embalming, using isotonic solutions helps to preserve tissues effectively, avoiding cellular damage that could result from imbalances in solute concentrations. This is vital in maintaining the biological and physical characteristics of the body during preservation.

Hypotonic solutions have a lower concentration of solute compared to the reference, leading to water moving into the cells, potentially causing them to swell and rupture. Hypertonic solutions, on the other hand, have a higher concentration of solute, resulting in water moving out of the cells and causing them to shrivel. Concentrated is a more general term that does not specify the relationship between solute concentrations and a reference; it merely indicates a high quantity of dissolved particles without context to another solution.