Questions and Answers
What role does sodium play in the body, and why is it important for cellular function?
Sodium is crucial for maintaining fluid balance in body cells through osmosis, which is essential for proper cellular function.
Explain the importance of potassium in maintaining heart health.
Potassium is vital for heart health as it helps regulate heart rhythm and is necessary for muscle contraction, including cardiac muscles.
How does bicarbonate contribute to maintaining acid-base balance in the body?
Bicarbonate helps regulate the body’s pH level, preventing conditions like alkalosis and acidosis by acting as a buffer.
What is the normal serum range for calcium in adults, and what are its primary functions?
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Describe the significance of magnesium in the body and its reference range.
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Study Notes
Electrolytes and Their Functions
- Sodium: Essential for fluid balance in cells via osmosis.
- Calcium: Important for bone health, heart rhythm, nerve signaling, and muscle contractions.
- Phosphate: Vital for transporting molecules and compounds between cells.
- Chloride: Helps maintain healthy blood pressure and fluid balance.
- Magnesium: Crucial for bone and teeth development, as well as nerve and muscle function.
- Bicarbonate: Regulates body pH, helping to avoid conditions such as alkalosis and acidosis.
- Potassium: Key for heart health, nerve function, muscle contractions, and nutrient transport in cells.
Blood pH and Reference Ranges
- Blood pH: Normal range is 7.36 to 7.44, critical for metabolic processes.
- Sodium Level: Standard serum range is 136 to 144 mmol/L.
- Potassium Level: Reference range is 3.7 to 5.1 mmol/L.
- Calcium Level: Adults should maintain levels between 8.5 to 10.2 mg/dL.
- Chloride Level: Normal serum chloride range is 97 to 105 mmol/L.
- Magnesium Level: Typical range is 1.6 to 2.6 mg/dL.
- Phosphate Level: Normal range is 2.5 to 4.5 mg/dL (or 0.81 to 1.45 mmol/L).
- Platelet Count: Healthy range is 150,000 to 350,000/µL (150-350 x 10^9/L).
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Description
Test your understanding of electrolytes and their vital roles in the human body, as well as the normal ranges for blood pH and key electrolyte levels. This quiz covers essential functions of sodium, calcium, potassium, and more, helping you grasp how these elements contribute to overall health.
