COL: Electrolytes Flashcards
What are electrolytes?
When salts dissolve in water, ions separate to form electrolytes.
What are the properties of electrolytes?
- Conduct electric currents
- Carry electrical energy for muscle contractions and transmission of nerve impulses.
- An electrolyte imbalance can be detrimental to your health.
Calcium
Most abundant, 99%, are found in skeletal structures. Critical for transmission of nerve impulses, blood clotting, and muscle contraction.
macroelement.
DD= rickets
Magnesium
It is important for the synthesis of RNA and DNA. It also helps maintain normal nerve and muscle function, stabilizes blood sugar, boosts the immune system, and promotes the formation of bones and teeth.
macroelement
Chloride
works closely with Na to maintain a balance of fluid in cells, maintains pH balance in the body, balances out positive ions of blood, tissue and organs.
Phosphorus
macroelement
Builds strong bones and teeth
Energy carrier in cells (a component of ATP)
component of DNA and RNA
part of phospholipids in cell membranes.
DD= rare in humans
Sodium
Macroelement
Maintains water balance in the body, functioning of nerves, and muscle contractions.
controls the rhythm of the heart
DD= muscle cramps
Potassium
Facilitates the functioning of muscles and nerves.
Regulates heart rhythm
macroelements
DD= seldom occur in humans
Iron
microelement
It helps from hemoglobin, which transports O2 in the blood.
DD= Humans: anemia (not enough red blood cells)
Iodine
Microelements
are components of the hormone thyroxin.
DD= goiter
pH in our bodies
- blood is maintained at about pH 7,4
- Too acidic= coma and death
- Too alkaline= nerve problems and convulsions
- Organisms have natural buffers
what are buffers?
A substance that counteracts pH changes
