KINS 1224 Chapter Notes - Chapter 24: Hypertension, Sodium Bicarbonate, Resting Potential
20 Apr 2016
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Document Summary
Blood plasma is the most accessible fluid for measurements of electrolyte concentration so excess and deficiencies are defined with reference to normal plasma concentrations. Sodium is the principal ions responsible for the resting membrane potential of cells, and the inflow of sodium membrane channels that is essential for depolarization. Sodium is the principal cation of the ecf accounting for 90-95% of its osmolarity. Sodium is the most significant solute in determining total body water and the distribution of water among fluid compartments. Sodium potassium pump is an important mechanism for generating body heat. Sodium bicarbonate plays a major role in the buffering the ph of the ecf. There are multiple mechanism for controlling sodium concentration, tied to its effects on blood pressure and osmolarity and coordinated by aldosterone, antidiuretic hormone and the natriuretic peptides. Aldosterone the salt retaining hormone plays the primary role in adjustment of sodium excretion.
