Electrolytes and Their Functions

Major Electrolytes: Normal Range and Function

Electrolytes and Their Functions

Sodium (Na+)

• Normal Range: 135-145 mEq/L
• Function:
  • Major cation of the extracellular fluid.
  • Major role in regulation of water balance.
  • Regulates extracellular fluid volume through osmotic pressure.
  • Water follows sodium concentration in the body.
  • Essential to the transmission of nerve impulses.
  • Helps maintain neuromuscular irritability.
  • Important in controlling contractility of the heart.
  • Helps maintain acid-base balance.
  • Aids in maintenance of electroneutrality.

Potassium (K+)

• Normal Range: 3.5-5.0 mEq/L
• Function:
  • Major intracellular cation.
  • Important in nerve transmission and muscle contraction.
  • Helps maintain normal heart rhythm.
  • Helps maintain plasma acid-base balance.

Calcium (Ca2+)

• Normal Range: 8.4-10.6 mg/dL
• Function:
  • Involved in formation of bone and teeth.
  • Necessary for blood coagulation.
  • Essential for normal nerve and muscle activity.

Magnesium (Mg2+)

• Normal Range: 1.3-2.1 mg/dL
• Function:
  • Necessary for building bones and teeth.
  • Necessary for nerve transmission.
  • Involved in muscle contraction.
  • Plays an important role in many metabolic reactions, where it acts as a cofactor to cellular enzymes.

Phosphate (PO43-)

• Normal Range: 3.0-4.5 mg/dL
• Function:
  • Necessary for formation of ATP (Adenosine triphosphate).
  • Cofactor in carbohydrate, protein, and lipid metabolism.
  • Activates B-complex vitamins.

Chloride (Cl-)

• Normal Range: 96-106 mEq/L
• Function:
  • Helps maintain acid-base balance.
  • Important in formation of hydrochloric acid for secretion to the stomach.
  • Aids in maintaining plasma electroneutrality.

Bicarbonate (HCO3-)

• Normal Range: 22-26 mEq/L
• Function:
  • A buffer that neutralizes excess acids in the body.
  • Helps regulate acid-base balance.