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Multiple Choice
Which of the following is true with regard to sodium and potassium in the human body?
A
Sodium is the main extracellular cation, while potassium is the main intracellular cation.
B
Both sodium and potassium are equally concentrated inside and outside of cells.
C
Potassium is crucial for nerve impulse transmission, while sodium is not involved.
D
Sodium is primarily found inside cells, while potassium is found outside.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the role of sodium and potassium in the human body: Sodium (Na+) and potassium (K+) are essential electrolytes that play critical roles in maintaining cellular function, fluid balance, and nerve impulse transmission.
Identify the distribution of sodium and potassium: Sodium is the main extracellular cation, meaning it is primarily found outside of cells, while potassium is the main intracellular cation, meaning it is primarily found inside cells.
Consider the concentration gradients: Sodium and potassium have different concentrations inside and outside of cells, which is crucial for processes like nerve impulse transmission and muscle contraction.
Evaluate the role of potassium in nerve impulse transmission: Potassium is indeed crucial for nerve impulse transmission, as it helps in repolarizing the nerve cell membrane after an action potential.
Clarify the involvement of sodium in nerve function: Sodium is also involved in nerve impulse transmission, as it is responsible for depolarizing the nerve cell membrane during an action potential.