Definition osmolarity

The osmotic concentration of a solution expressed

as osmoles of solute per liter of solution

What is plasma osmolality?

Plasma osmolality is a function of the ratio of body

solute to body water; it is regulated by changes in
water balance

Alterations in plasma osmolality of as little as

1% - 2%
The American Heritage Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.
(http://www.cvmbs.colostate.edu/clinsci/wing/fluids/fluids.htm)
 Definition Tonicity

Tonicity is the effective osmolality and is equal to

the sum of the concentrations of the solutes
which have the capacity to exert an osmotic
force across the membrane

'Fluid Physiology' by Kerry Brandis from http://www.AnaesthesiaMCQ.com