The sodium potassium pump is constantly a work in each cell of the body to keep sodium and potassium levels in cell fluids even. This pump allows sodium ions which are abundant outside of the cell, to diffuse into the cell, and potassium, which is abundant inside the cell, to diffuse to outside the cell. If this process were to cease, sodium ions would build up inside your cells, which would attract water and ultimately cause the cell to explode.
sodium and potassium
sodium, chloride, & potassium
Sodium (Na+) and Potassium (K+) are the group 1 elements that are involved in electrolyte balance in the body. They play essential roles in maintaining proper fluid balance, nerve function, and muscle contractions.
There are a variety of minerals necessary to your body's health. Some of the minerals specific to blood and fluids include;Chloride: A mineral that regulates body fluid volume, concentration and acid-base balance. Balance intertwined with that of sodium.Chromium: A mineral important in regulating blood glucose.Iron: A mineral that is an essential constituent of blood and muscle and important for the transport of oxygen.Sodium: A mineral that regulates body fluid volume, concentration and acid-base
Actually it is two: sodium and potassium because they and their regulators are so intertwined. But a very, very simple answer to your question, water always follows sodium. The principal ions in the ECF are sodium, chloride, and bicarbonate. The ICF contains an abundance of potassium, magnesium, and phosphate ions, plus large numbers of negatively charged proteins. Despite the differences in the concentration of specific substances, the osmotic concentrations of the ICF and ECF are identical. Osmosis eliminates minor differences in concentration almost at once, because most cell membranes are freely permeable to water. Sodium is the dominant cation in the ECF (Extra Cellular Fluid) Potassium is the dominant cation in the ICF (Inter Cellular Fluid). Two general rules concerning sodium balance and potassium balance are worth noting: The Most Common Problems with Electrolyte Balance Are Caused by an Imbalance between Gains and Losses of Sodium Ions. Problems with Potassium Balance Are Less Common, but Significantly More Dangerous than Are Those Related to Sodium Balance.
Sodium and potassium are two very important micronutrients of the body. They are present in every cells of the body, Sodium (Na), normally outside the cells (in the extra-cellular fluid) and Potassium (K), normally inside the cell (in the cytoplasm) . By changing the balance of which of them are in a greater percentage inside and outside the cells , they are able to create membrane potential, which are necessary for the nerve impulses. (See sodium/potassium pumps, please) They are also electrolytes, maintaining the body's proper fluid balance. More info could be find on related links.
sodium
The principal elements in the extracellular fluid are sodium, potassium and calcium.
The Chief Extracellular cation is sodium.
Sodium maintains the balance of fluid in a person's body.
The electrolyte Sodium (Na+) is responsible for fluid homostasis.
Sodium is the primary cation for ECF, potassium is the primary cation for ICF.