Body Fluid Electrolyte Distribution

The body's water can be divided into two primary categories: intracellular fluid and extracellular fluids. The larger segment is the intracellular fluid, comprising approximately two-thirds of the total body water. Further division of extracellular fluids includes interstitial fluid, found between cells, and plasma, which accounts for roughly one-quarter of the extracellular fluid volume.

Within bodily fluids, there exist varying concentrations of different electrolytes and solutes. An electrolyte is a substance that dissociates into ions when dissolved in a solution. In the body's water composition, positively charged electrolytes (referred to as cations), such as sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium, are notable, while negatively charged electrolytes (anions) encompass chloride and bicarbonates. Particularly, sodium takes on the role of the primary electrolyte in extracellular fluid, in contrast to the relatively lower levels of potassium.

However, within intracellular fluid, this pattern is reversed. Potassium assumes prominence as the predominant electrolyte, while sodium maintains a lower presence. Maintaining this distribution of electrolytes is of utmost importance for the body. This equilibrium is critical because it supports the preservation of cell functions and facilitates electrical communication across the body by upholding transmembrane electrical and chemical gradients. Ultimately, this balance is indispensable for overall bodily health and functionality.
Body Fluid Electrolyte Distribution