Sodium in the Human Body

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Abundance:

  • Sodium is a major essential electrolyte, needed in moderate amounts.

  • Total body content: about 90–100 grams in an average adult.

  • Most sodium is found in extracellular fluid (outside the cells), including:

    • Blood plasma

    • Interstitial fluid

  • Only a small amount is inside cells (intracellular fluid).

Method of Administration

  • Primary Route: Intravenous (IV) infusion
    This method provides high systemic absorption and rapid onset of action, allowing the compound to act quickly at the cellular level.

  • Alternative Route: Oral administration
    (Less effective compared to IV delivery.)

Importance of Sodium:

Sodium is vital for maintaining balance and proper function of many physiological systems:

1. Fluid and Electrolyte Balance:

  • Sodium regulates the osmotic pressure and water distribution in the body.

  • Works with potassium to control fluid balance inside and outside cells.

2. Nerve Impulse Transmission:

  • Sodium is essential for generating and transmitting electrical signals in nerves.

  • It helps create the action potential that allows nerves to "fire."

3. Muscle Contraction:

  • Works with calcium and potassium to regulate muscle contractions.

  • Necessary for proper function of skeletal muscles, smooth muscles, and the heart.

4. Blood Pressure Regulation:

  • Sodium affects blood volume, and thus blood pressure.

  • The kidneys regulate sodium levels to help control long-term blood pressure.

5. Acid–Base Balance:

  • Sodium is involved in maintaining the pH balance of body fluids.

  • Works as a buffer system in the blood and tissues.