Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first video
Multiple Choice
Where are sodium ions predominantly found in the body?
A
In the mitochondria
B
Outside the cell
C
Inside the cell
D
In the nucleus
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the distribution of sodium ions in the body: Sodium ions (Na+) are crucial for various physiological processes, including nerve impulse transmission and muscle contraction.
Recognize the role of the cell membrane: The cell membrane maintains a concentration gradient of sodium ions, which is essential for cellular functions.
Identify the location of sodium ions: Sodium ions are predominantly found outside the cell, in the extracellular fluid, due to the action of the sodium-potassium pump.
Consider the sodium-potassium pump: This pump actively transports sodium ions out of the cell and potassium ions into the cell, maintaining a high concentration of sodium ions outside the cell.
Conclude the distribution: Given the function of the sodium-potassium pump and the concentration gradient, sodium ions are primarily located outside the cell in the extracellular space.