alleryStart learning →What is sodium's place in determining plasma osmolarity?
AIt plays a small part in plasma osmolarity
BExcess sodium lowers total body water content
CIt is the main anion of the plasma compartment
DIt plays the largest part in plasma osmolarity
Answer & Solution
Correct answer: D. It plays the largest part in plasma osmolarity
1. Sodium has a very strong osmotic effect and attracts water.
2. It plays a larger role in plasma osmolarity than any other circulating component of the blood.
3. Too much sodium therefore raises total body water, and with it blood pressure.
4. Sustained hypertension of that kind raises the long-term risk of heart attack, stroke and aneurysm.
5. Sodium carries a positive charge, so calling it an anion is wrong on its face.
_Source: OpenStax Anatomy and Physiology (CC BY 4.0), Ch 25 "The Urinary System", section 25.9 Regulation of Fluid Volume and Composition_
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