This document discusses the major intracellular and extracellular electrolytes in the body. It begins by defining electrolytes as ions that dissociate in body fluids. The main electrolytes discussed are sodium, calcium, chloride, potassium, magnesium, sulfate, bicarbonate, and phosphate. For each electrolyte, the normal levels, locations, and functions in the body are described. Potential deficiencies or excesses of each electrolyte are also summarized, along with their symptoms and treatment.

1. M S . G O P A L E K A L Y A N I S .
B . P H A R M , M B A
Major Intra and extra- cellular
electrolytes.

2. INTRODUCTION
 Electrolytes (Dissolved ions) :
Chemical dissociates into cations (+vely charged) and
Anions ( -vely charged) when they dissolved in body fluids .
Eg. Acids, Bases, NaCl.
 Intracellular Electrolytes: Present in the cell.
Eg. Potassium and phosphate ions.
 Extracellular Electrolytes: Interstitial & vascular
compartment.
Eg. Sodium and chloride ions.

3. Role of Electrolytes in the body
 PH Control
 Osmotic Balance/ Regulate osmotic pressure in the
cell.
 Perform Physiological Function
 Maintain nervous system function
 Keep body Hydration

4. PHYSIOLOGICAL ION’S

5. PHYSIOLOGICAL ION’S
A. SODIUM :
• Location : Extracellular compartment as salt Na+ .
• Normal Level : 136-142 mEq/L
• Functions:
1. Absorbed and excreted by cells. (maintain charge
balance between the body fluids)
2. Along with Cl− , maintain osmotic balance of all
body fluids.
3. In kidney maintain Blood-Urine volume level.

6. PHYSIOLOGICAL ION’S
 Hyponatremia-
- Low level of sodium (Na+) in body.
-Reason: Extreme urine loss ( in diabetic insipidus),
kidney damage, diarrhea, vomiting, excessive sweating.
-Symptoms: Muscular weakness, headache, respiratory
depression.
-Treatment: Replenishment Therapy.

7. PHYSIOLOGICAL ION’S
 Hypernatremia-
- Increased level of sodium in body.
-Reasons: Dehydration, High sodium intact.
-Symptoms: Intense thirst, fatigue.
-Treatment: Diuretics, Cardiotonic drugs, Low salt
diet.

8. PHYSIOLOGICAL ION’S
B. CALCIUM :
 Location: 1% in extracellular and 99% in bones and
teeth.
 Function:
1) Blood clotting.
2) Muscle contraction.
3) Release of Ach (Acetylcholine) from neurons.
4) Maintain strong Bones and teeth.

9. PHYSIOLOGICAL ION’S
 Hypocalcemia -
-Decreased calcium level in the body.
-Reasons: Lower absorption , Vit. D deficiency, Bone cancer.
-Symptoms: Titanic spasms, Convulsions.
 Hypercalcemia -
- Increased level of calcium in body.
-Reasons: Hypervitaminosis D, bone neoplastic disease
-Symptoms: Muscle weakness, Constipation, Cardiac
irregularities.

10. PHYSIOLOGICAL ION’S
3) CHLORIDE :
 Location: It is majorly found in all body fluid.
Nearly 66% of ion content in plasma is chloride ion.
 Normal Level: About 50 mEq/Kg
 Function:
1. Absorbed and excreted by cells.( Mainain charge
balance between the body fluids.
2. Along with sodium maintains osmotic balance of all
body fluids.
3. Takes part in formation of gastric acid .

11. PHYSIOLOGICAL ION’S
 Hypochloremia:
-Decreased chloride level in the body.
-Reasons:
1. Metabolic acidosis seen in diabetes mellitus and
renal failure.
2. Lack of reabsorption from kidney.
3. Therapy of diuretics.
4. Excessive vomiting- Loss of gastric acid(HCl)
-Symptoms: Alkalosis, respiratory depression, muscle
spasm.

12. PHYSIOLOGICAL ION’S
 Hyperchloremia:
-Increased chloride level in the body.
-Reasons: Excess loss of bicarbonate ions,
dehydration, Heart failure.
-Symptoms: Heart attack,stroke, chest pain,small
bumps on skin.

13. PHYSIOLOGICAL ION’S
4) POTASSIUM :
 Location: It is majorly found in intracellular fluid.
 Normal level: 3.8 – 5.0 mEq/ L
 Functions:
1. Contraction of muscles, especially cardiac muscle.
2. Maintains osmotic balance.
3. Transmission of nerve impulses.
4. Regulate PH by exchange against for hydrogen
ions.

14. PHYSIOLOGICAL ION’S
 Hypokalemia:
- Decreased K+ ion in the body.
-Reasons:
1. Lower absorption.
2. Malnutrition.
3. Diarrheoa.
4. Much urine loss.(diuretic treatment)
5. Heart disease.

15. PHYSIOLOGICAL ION’S
 Hyperkalemia:
-Increased K+ ion level in body.
-Reasons:
1. Kidney damage.(Renal failure)
2. Dehydration.
3. Cardiac disease.
4. C.N.S Depression.
-Symptoms: Bradycardia, Mental
confusion,Muscle weakness.

16. PHYSIOLOGICAL ION’S
5) MAGNESIUM :
 Location: It is majorly found in intracellular fluid.
About 54% in bones and about 45% in ICF.
 Functions:
1. To activate enzymes which are involved in CH and
protein metabolism.
2. Neuronal transmission.
3. Myocardial function.
4. For the function of Na+/K+ ATPase pump.

17. PHYSIOLOGICAL ION’S
 Hypomagnesemia:
- Decreased Mg++ ion level in body.
-Reasons:
1. Lower absorption.
2. Malnutrition.
3. Diarrhoea.
4. Chronic alcoholism.
-Symptoms: Muscle weakness, confusion, nausea,
cardiac arrhythmia.

18. PHYSIOLOGICAL ION’S
 Hypermagnesemia:
- Increased Mg++ ion level in the body.
-Reasons:
1. Addison disease.
2. Acute diabetic acidosis.
3. Renal failure.
-Symptoms:
1. Hypotension.
2. Cardiac arrest.

19. PHYSIOLOGICAL ION’S
6) SULPHATE :
 Location: Very small quantity of this ion is present
in plasma and interstitial fluids.
 Functions:
1. It is required for proper cell growth and
development of the organism.
2. It is involved in variety of important biological
processes including biosynthesis and
detoxification.

20. PHYSIOLOGICAL ION’S
7) BICARBONATE :
- Location: It is second largest anion present in the
extracellular fluid compartment.
- Functions: Along with carbonic acid, bicarbonate
acts as a buffer in maintainance of acid- base
balance.
- If the excess bicarbonate ion produces cause
metabolic alkalosis.
- And the depletation causes metabolic acidosis.

21. PHYSIOLOGICAL ION’S
8) PHOSPHATE :
 Location: Phosphate ion is major anion of the
intracellular fluid compartment.
 Nearly 4/5 th of ions present in teeth and bones
along with calcium.
 Functions:
1. Help in nerves function.
2. Make muscle contraction.
3. The body needs phosphorus to build and repair
bones and teeth.