MEDICAL PHYSIOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -Sodium and potassium ions participate in the transmission of nerve signals. It is done by sodium/potassium pump. The membrane of an unstimulated neuron is polarized. Polarization is established by maintaining an excess of sodium ions on the outside and an excess of potassium ions on the inside.

Detailed explanation-2: -Ions that are important in the formation of a nerve impulse include sodium (Na+) and potassium (K+). The sodium-potassium pump maintains the resting potential of a neuron.

Detailed explanation-3: -Sodium plays a vital role in our bodies. In partnership with another element, potassium, it acts like a chemical battery that powers our nerve impulses and muscle contractions. This battery is maintained by proteins called sodium-potassium pumps, which are embedded like tunnels in our cell membranes.

Detailed explanation-4: -The cell possesses potassium and sodium leakage channels that allow the two cations to diffuse down their concentration gradient. However, the neurons have far more potassium leakage channels than sodium leakage channels. Therefore, potassium diffuses out of the cell at a much faster rate than sodium leaks in.