Liquid or gelatinous solution or chemical compound containing the free, primary ions (bicarbonate, calcium, chloride, magnesium, phosphate, and potassium). Most organisms require a complex electrolytic balance between the intercellular and extracellular milieu for normal physiological functioning, and in particular the maintenance of osmotic gradients. These gradients regulate hydration of the body, blood pH, and are essential to the functioning of nerves and muscles. In humans, solutions of the salts of calcium enable relaxation of skeletal muscles, potassium the contraction of these muscles as well as relaxation of cardiac muscles, and sodium the maintenance of fluid balance. Electrolytic imbalances due to dehydration can give rise to serious cardiac and neurological complications.
See Amniotic fluid, Cardiac muscle, Cell, Extracellular matrix, Hyperemesis gravidarum, Phosphate, Respiratory acidosis, Striated (or striped or voluntary) muscle