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Major Mineral: Sodium and Potassium definitions Flashcards

Major Mineral: Sodium and Potassium definitions
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  • Sodium

    Major extracellular electrolyte crucial for fluid balance, nerve signaling, and muscle function; commonly found in table salt and processed foods.
  • Potassium

    Major intracellular electrolyte essential for heart rhythm, nerve impulses, and muscle contractions; abundant in fruits and vegetables.
  • Electrolyte

    Charged mineral particle in body fluids that regulates fluid balance and electrical activity in cells.
  • Extracellular Fluid

    Fluid outside cells, including blood and interstitial fluid, where sodium concentration is highest.
  • Intracellular Fluid

    Fluid within cells, characterized by high potassium concentration and low sodium levels.
  • Osmosis

    Movement of water across cell membranes driven by electrolyte concentration differences, especially sodium.
  • Hyponatremia

    Condition of abnormally low sodium in blood, often resulting from overhydration and leading to dangerous water imbalance.
  • Hypernatremia

    Condition of excess sodium in blood, increasing risk for hypertension and tissue swelling.
  • Hypertension

    Chronic high blood pressure, often linked to excess sodium intake and a major risk factor for heart disease.
  • Edema

    Swelling of tissues due to fluid accumulation, commonly associated with sodium imbalance.
  • Hypokalemia

    Deficiency of potassium in blood, potentially causing muscle weakness and fatigue, often due to vomiting or diarrhea.
  • Hyperkalemia

    Excess potassium in blood, usually from supplements, which can result in irregular heartbeat.
  • Table Salt

    Common dietary source of sodium, chemically known as sodium chloride, frequently added to foods.
  • Processed Foods

    Foods with added sodium for flavor and preservation, major contributors to dietary sodium intake.
  • Salt Substitute

    Product replacing some sodium with potassium, used to lower sodium intake but can cause excess potassium if overused.