The two electrolytes most important in enabling nerves to respond to stimuli are sodium and
A) chloride.
B) potassium.
C) phosphorus.
D) iron.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Sodium and potassium are both important in enabling nerves to respond to stimuli, but potassium is the more important of the two. When a nerve impulse is transmitted, potassium ions move out of the cell, resulting in a temporary reversal of the electrical charge across the cell membrane. This triggers the release of more potassium ions and the influx of sodium ions, which causes the nerve cell to depolarize and propagate the impulse. Therefore, while both sodium and potassium are important, potassium is the more crucial electrolyte in nerve function.

The Two Electrolytes Most Important in Enabling Nerves to Respond