Sodium
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Sodium (chemical symbol Na) is an electrolyte used in many bodily processes, including muscle and nerve function.[1] Along with potassium and magnesium, it has an important role in ion transportation.[2] Sodium is often consumed in the form of common/table salt (sodium chloride), and plays an important role in regulating blood volume and therefore blood pressure. The body excretes sodium in sweat and urine.[1] Normal blood sodium is between 135 and 145 milliequivalents per liter (mEq/L); levels below this cause cells to swell with excess water, a condition known as hyponatremia.[3]
Molecular forms of sodium[edit | edit source]
Pure sodium is highly reactive, tarnishing within seconds of exposure to air and reacting violently with water. Because of this, all naturally-occurring sodium is bonded to at least one other atom in a molecule. Common salt, or sodium chloride, is the most abundant sodium-containing molecule on Earth. Other common sodium-containing molecules include baking soda and washing soda.[4]
Sodium chloride (common or table salt)[edit | edit source]
Sodium chloride (molecular formula NaCl) is one of the most abundant minerals on earth, occurring naturally in sea salt and underground rock formations.[5] Each molecule consists of one atom of sodium and one atom of chlorine. A solution of sodium chloride dissolved in water is known as saline, commonly used in intravenous fluids.[6]
Sodium bicarbonate (baking soda)[edit | edit source]
Sodium imbalance[edit | edit source]
Hyponatremia[edit | edit source]
Hypernatremia[edit | edit source]
See also[edit | edit source]
Learn more[edit | edit source]
References[edit | edit source]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 "Sodium: MedlinePlus". Retrieved October 9, 2018.
- ↑ "Definition of ELECTROLYTE". Merrian-Webster Dictionary. Retrieved October 9, 2018.
- ↑ "Hyponatremia - Symptoms and causes". Mayo Clinic. Retrieved October 3, 2022.
- ↑ "Sodium - Element information, properties and uses | Periodic Table". rsc.org. Retrieved October 3, 2022.
- ↑ Pulluaim, Rebecca (February 10, 2017). "Sodium Chloride | NaCl | Uses, Benefits, and Safety Facts". ChemicalSafetyFacts.org. Retrieved October 3, 2022.
- ↑ Dalton, Clayton (March 31, 2018). "Why Did Sterile Salt Water Become The IV Fluid Of Choice?". NPR. Retrieved October 3, 2022.
