Understanding Electrolyte Balance

The importance of maintaining electrolyte balance in the extracellular fluid is emphasized, focusing on cations and anions. Cations are positively charged ions such as sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium, while anions are negatively charged ions like chloride and bicarbonate. It’s highlighted that these charged particles typically balance each other out to maintain electroneutrality in the body. This balance is crucial for normal physiological functions and is the foundation for understanding the concept of the anion gap.