Question

What is an ion? What is their general function in the human body? Identify three ions that the body needs and briefly explain their roles.

Answer 1

Ans:

• An ion is an atom or molecule with a net electric charge due to the loss or gain of one or more electrons. There are 2 types of ions: (i) cations and (ii) anions. Cations are positively charged ions. Anions are negatively charged ions.

• Many normal substances exist in the human body as ions. Some ions are primarily required in the body that exist in the form of electrolytes. Body fluid contains electrolytes, which when dissolve in water, produce charged ions. These ions enable the flow of electrical signals through the body. Electrolytes play an important role in the body as they regulate the osmotic pressure in cells and help maintain the function of muscle and nerve cells. Common examples of substances that may present in the body as ions include sodium, potassium, calcium, chloride, and bicarbonate.

• The three most abundant ions in the body are potassium (K+), sodium (Na+) and chloride (Cl-).

• Potassium (K+) ion is one of the major and abundant cation present in intracellular fluid compartment. It helps regulate fluid balance, muscle contractions and nerve signals. A high-potassium diet may help reduce blood pressure and water retention. it also protect against stroke, prevent osteoporosis and kidney stones.

• Sodium (Na+) ion is one of the major and abundant cation present in extracellular fluid compartment. Sodium ions are necessary for regulation of blood and body fluids, transmission of nerve impulses and certain metabolic functions. Sodium helps maintain the balance of water in and around the cells. It also helps maintain stable blood pressure levels. Insufficient sodium in your blood is also known as hyponatremia.

• Chloride (Cl-) ion is one of the major and abundant anion present in extracellular fluid compartment. Chloride Ion forms the negatively charged part of certain salts, including sodium and hydrogen chloride salts, and is an essential electrolyte located in all body fluids responsible for maintaining acid-base balance, transmitting nerve impulses and regulating fluid in and out of cells.