Sodium (Na) is the major cation (positively charged ion) in the
extracellular fluid and plays a variety of fundamental roles within the
body.
- Sodium plays a large role in fluid balance, with different variations of
sodium determining the shift of water by osmosis from one area of the body to
another. See Cellular Control of Water
Distribution
- Along with chloride and bicarbonate, sodium is important for the proper
regulation of the acid-base balance of the body.
- As an active transport mechanism in the form of Na, K ATPase, sodium is
essential for the passage of metabolic materials through cell walls.
- Sodium, along with potassium, is
responsible for balancing the response of nerves to stimulation, travel of nerve
impulses to muscles, and muscle contraction.