Electrolytes (General, Sodium, Potassium, Chloride)

What are the general functions of electrolytes?

Electrolytes help with osmosis of water between compartments, maintaining acid-base balance, carrying electrical currents, and serving as cofactors.

What is the most abundant ion in extracellular fluid?

Sodium (Na+) is the most abundant ion in extracellular fluid.

How does sodium influence other solutes and water?

Sodium has the most influence over the movement of other solutes and water.

What role does sodium play in nerve and muscle tissue?

Sodium generates action potentials in nerve and muscle tissue.

What hormones regulate sodium levels?

Aldosterone, ADH (Antidiuretic Hormone), and ANP (Atrial Natriuretic Peptide) regulate sodium levels.

What is the most abundant cation in extracellular fluid?

Potassium (K+) is the most abundant cation in extracellular fluid.

What roles does potassium play in the body?

Potassium helps maintain the resting membrane potential (RMP), intracellular fluid, and pH balance.

What hormone controls potassium levels?

Aldosterone controls potassium levels.

What is the most abundant anion in extracellular fluid?

Chloride (Cl-) is the most abundant anion in extracellular fluid.

What is the chloride shift?

The chloride shift involves the movement of chloride between RBCs and plasma and plays a role in HCl formation.

What hormone controls chloride levels?

Aldosterone controls chloride levels by promoting its reabsorption along with sodium in the renal tubules.