Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is the primary role of potassium (K+) in the body?
What is the primary role of potassium (K+) in the body?
What happens to the resting membrane potential (RMP) with elevated plasma K+ levels?
What happens to the resting membrane potential (RMP) with elevated plasma K+ levels?
What percentage of the body’s total K+ circulates in the plasma?
What percentage of the body’s total K+ circulates in the plasma?
What can severe hyperkalemia lead to?
What can severe hyperkalemia lead to?
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Which of the following cellular functions is NOT significantly influenced by K+ levels?
Which of the following cellular functions is NOT significantly influenced by K+ levels?
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What effect does a lower than normal difference between resting and action potential have on the cell?
What effect does a lower than normal difference between resting and action potential have on the cell?
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Study Notes
Potassium Function in the Body
- Potassium (K+) is the main intracellular positive ion, 20 times more concentrated inside cells than outside.
- Only 2% of total body potassium circulates in the plasma.
- Potassium plays crucial roles in regulating neuromuscular excitability, heart contraction, intracellular fluid volume, and hydrogen ion concentration.
- Potassium significantly affects skeletal and cardiac muscle contraction.
Effects of Elevated Potassium
- Elevated plasma potassium (hyperkalemia) lowers the resting membrane potential (RMP) of cells, making it closer to zero.
- This reduced difference between resting and action potentials increases cell excitability, potentially leading to muscle weakness.
- Severe hyperkalemia can drastically raise the RMP above the action potential, causing a lack of muscle excitability, which may result in paralysis and fatal cardiac arrhythmias.
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Description
This quiz explores the functions of potassium in the human body, focusing on its role in neuromuscular excitability and muscle contraction. Additionally, it covers the effects of elevated potassium levels, including hyperkalemia and its consequences on muscle function and heart rhythms. Test your knowledge on this essential electrolyte and its physiological implications.
