1. Electrolytes like sodium (Na⁺), potassium (K⁺), calcium (Ca²⁺), magnesium (Mg²⁺),
chloride (Cl⁻), bicarbonate (HCO₃⁻), and phosphate (PO₄³⁻) are ingested through food
and fluids. Most electrolytes are absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract, primarily in the small
intestine.
2. Electrolytes travel through the bloodstream and are distributed to interstitial spaces and cells.
Sodium is primarily extracellular, while potassium is predominantly intracellular,
maintained by the sodium-potassium pump (Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase).
3. Pumps like the Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase move sodium out of cells and potassium into cells against their
concentration gradients. Channels and transporters facilitate the movement of electrolytes
down their gradients (e.g., during nerve impulses or muscle contractions).
4. The kidneys are the primary regulators of electrolyte balance. They filter blood, reabsorb
needed electrolytes, and excrete excess amounts in urine. Hormones such as aldosterone
regulate sodium and potassium balance, while parathyroid hormone (PTH) regulates calcium
and phosphate.
5. Electrolytes are lost through sweat, urine, and feces. Excessive loss (e.g., through diarrhea,
vomiting, or sweating) can disrupt balance, leading to conditions like dehydration or electrolyte
imbalances.
Sodium
Regulates fluid balance and nerve signal transmission
(Na⁺)
Potassium
Vital for heart function and muscle contraction
(K⁺)
Calcium
Bone health, blood clotting, muscle contraction
(Ca²⁺)
Magnesium (Mg²⁺) Enzyme activation, nerve function
Chloride
Fluid balance, digestion (as part of HCl in the stomach)
(Cl⁻)
Phosphate
Bone health, energy storage (ATP)
(PO₄³⁻)
Bicarbonate
Maintains acid-base balance
(HCO₃⁻)
chloride (Cl⁻), bicarbonate (HCO₃⁻), and phosphate (PO₄³⁻) are ingested through food
and fluids. Most electrolytes are absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract, primarily in the small
intestine.
2. Electrolytes travel through the bloodstream and are distributed to interstitial spaces and cells.
Sodium is primarily extracellular, while potassium is predominantly intracellular,
maintained by the sodium-potassium pump (Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase).
3. Pumps like the Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase move sodium out of cells and potassium into cells against their
concentration gradients. Channels and transporters facilitate the movement of electrolytes
down their gradients (e.g., during nerve impulses or muscle contractions).
4. The kidneys are the primary regulators of electrolyte balance. They filter blood, reabsorb
needed electrolytes, and excrete excess amounts in urine. Hormones such as aldosterone
regulate sodium and potassium balance, while parathyroid hormone (PTH) regulates calcium
and phosphate.
5. Electrolytes are lost through sweat, urine, and feces. Excessive loss (e.g., through diarrhea,
vomiting, or sweating) can disrupt balance, leading to conditions like dehydration or electrolyte
imbalances.
Sodium
Regulates fluid balance and nerve signal transmission
(Na⁺)
Potassium
Vital for heart function and muscle contraction
(K⁺)
Calcium
Bone health, blood clotting, muscle contraction
(Ca²⁺)
Magnesium (Mg²⁺) Enzyme activation, nerve function
Chloride
Fluid balance, digestion (as part of HCl in the stomach)
(Cl⁻)
Phosphate
Bone health, energy storage (ATP)
(PO₄³⁻)
Bicarbonate
Maintains acid-base balance
(HCO₃⁻)
