Which of the following electrolytes is predominantly present inside the intracellular fluid?
Solution
Correct Answer: Option C
- The correct answer is Potassium (K+).
- Intracellular fluid (ICF) is the fluid found within the cells of the body. The composition of electrolytes in the ICF is distinctly different from that in the extracellular fluid (ECF).
- Potassium (K+) is the most abundant cation inside cells, making up the majority of the positive ions in the intracellular compartment.
- This high concentration is crucial for many cellular functions, including maintaining the resting membrane potential, nerve impulse transmission, and muscle contraction.
- In contrast, Sodium (Na+) and Chloride (Cl-) are predominantly found in the extracellular fluid, playing a major role in maintaining extracellular osmolarity and volume.
- Calcium (Ca2+) is primarily stored in bones and plays an important role in signaling pathways, muscle contractions, and blood clotting but is present in much lower concentrations inside the cell compared to potassium.
In summary, potassium is the predominant intracellular electrolyte, essential for normal cellular function, which distinguishes it clearly from sodium, calcium, and chloride that are primarily extracellular.
Reference: Ganong's Review of Medical Physiology, 26th Edition, Chapter 21: Body Fluid Compartments, Page 295
- Intracellular fluid (ICF) is the fluid found within the cells of the body. The composition of electrolytes in the ICF is distinctly different from that in the extracellular fluid (ECF).
- Potassium (K+) is the most abundant cation inside cells, making up the majority of the positive ions in the intracellular compartment.
- This high concentration is crucial for many cellular functions, including maintaining the resting membrane potential, nerve impulse transmission, and muscle contraction.
- In contrast, Sodium (Na+) and Chloride (Cl-) are predominantly found in the extracellular fluid, playing a major role in maintaining extracellular osmolarity and volume.
- Calcium (Ca2+) is primarily stored in bones and plays an important role in signaling pathways, muscle contractions, and blood clotting but is present in much lower concentrations inside the cell compared to potassium.
In summary, potassium is the predominant intracellular electrolyte, essential for normal cellular function, which distinguishes it clearly from sodium, calcium, and chloride that are primarily extracellular.
Reference: Ganong's Review of Medical Physiology, 26th Edition, Chapter 21: Body Fluid Compartments, Page 295
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