Table of contents

1. Introduction to Anatomy & Physiology5h 43m
2. Cell Chemistry & Cell Components12h 36m
3. Energy & Cell Processes10h 6m
4. Tissues & Histology10h 3m
5. Integumentary System2h 20m
6. Bones & Skeletal Tissue2h 16m
7. The Skeletal System2h 35m
8. Joints2h 17m
9. Muscle Tissue2h 33m
10. Muscles1h 11m
11. Nervous Tissue and Nervous System1h 35m
12. The Central Nervous System1h 6m
- Introduction to the Central Nervous System
  18m
- The Cerebrum
  48m
13. The Peripheral Nervous System1h 26m
14. The Autonomic Nervous System1h 38m
15. The Special Senses2h 41m
16. The Endocrine System2h 48m
17. The Blood3h 22m
18. The Heart3h 42m
19. The Blood Vessels3h 35m
20. The Lymphatic System3h 16m
21. The Immune System14h 37m
22. The Respiratory System3h 20m
23. The Digestive System2h 5m
24. Metabolism and Nutrition4h 0m
25. The Urinary System2h 39m
26. Fluid and Electrolyte Balance, Acid Base Balance37m
27. The Reproductive System2h 5m
28. Human Development1h 21m
29. Heredity3h 32m

11. Nervous Tissue and Nervous System

Ions - Sodium and Potassium

Anatomy & Physiology

11. Nervous Tissue and Nervous System

Ions - Sodium and Potassium

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Problem 6b

Textbook Question

Mark the following statements as true or false. If a statement is false, correct it to make a true statement.
The concentration of Na⁺is highest in the cytosol, and the concentration of K⁺ is highest in the extracellular fluid.

Verified step by step guidance

Step 1: Understand the context of the problem. The question is about the distribution of sodium ions (Na⁺) and potassium ions (K⁺) across the cell membrane, which is a fundamental concept in cell physiology. This distribution is maintained by the sodium-potassium pump (Na⁺/K⁺ ATPase).

Step 2: Recall the normal distribution of ions. Sodium ions (Na⁺) are typically found in higher concentrations in the extracellular fluid (outside the cell), while potassium ions (K⁺) are found in higher concentrations in the cytosol (inside the cell).

Step 3: Analyze the given statement. The statement claims that the concentration of Na⁺ is highest in the cytosol and the concentration of K⁺ is highest in the extracellular fluid. Compare this with the normal distribution of ions to determine if the statement is true or false.

Step 4: If the statement is false, correct it. Based on the normal distribution, the corrected statement should reflect that the concentration of Na⁺ is highest in the extracellular fluid, and the concentration of K⁺ is highest in the cytosol.

Step 5: Conclude your analysis. Clearly mark the original statement as true or false, and if false, provide the corrected version as part of your final answer.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Ion Concentration Gradients

Ion concentration gradients refer to the differences in the concentration of ions across a membrane, which are crucial for cellular function. In most cells, sodium (Na+) is more concentrated outside the cell, while potassium (K+) is more concentrated inside. This gradient is essential for processes like action potentials in neurons and muscle contraction.

Sodium-Potassium Pump

The sodium-potassium pump is a vital membrane protein that actively transports Na+ out of the cell and K+ into the cell, maintaining the necessary concentration gradients. This pump uses ATP to function, moving three Na+ ions out for every two K+ ions it brings in, which is critical for maintaining cellular homeostasis and electrical excitability.

Cell Membrane Potential

Cell membrane potential is the voltage difference across a cell's membrane, resulting from the uneven distribution of ions. This potential is crucial for the generation of action potentials in excitable cells, such as neurons and muscle cells. The resting membrane potential is typically negative, influenced by the higher concentration of K+ inside the cell compared to Na+ outside.

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