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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Multiple Choice

Which of the following elements is necessary for proper conduction of nerve impulses?

Sodium

Iron

Magnesium

Calcium

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Verified step by step guidance

Step 1: Begin by understanding the role of nerve impulses in the body. Nerve impulses are electrical signals that travel along neurons to transmit information. These impulses rely on the movement of ions across the cell membrane to generate and propagate the signal.

Step 2: Learn about the key ions involved in nerve impulse conduction. Sodium (Na⁺), potassium (K⁺), and calcium (Ca²⁺) are the primary ions that play a role in this process. Sodium is particularly important for initiating the action potential, which is the electrical signal in neurons.

Step 3: Explore the mechanism of action potential generation. During the depolarization phase of an action potential, sodium channels open, allowing sodium ions to rush into the neuron. This influx of sodium ions causes the inside of the neuron to become more positive, triggering the nerve impulse.

Step 4: Compare the roles of the other elements listed in the question. Iron is primarily involved in oxygen transport via hemoglobin, magnesium is important for enzyme function and muscle relaxation, and calcium is involved in neurotransmitter release and muscle contraction. While calcium plays a role in nerve function, sodium is directly necessary for the conduction of nerve impulses.

Step 5: Conclude that sodium is the correct answer because it is essential for the depolarization phase of the action potential, which is the fundamental process for nerve impulse conduction.