Description
Potassium is the main intracellular cation. Approximately 98 percent of the body's potassium is intracellular. The proportion of intracellular potassium and the small amount of extracellular potassium is a major determinant of neuromuscular excitability. Potassium is necessary for correct fluid balance, osmotic balance and acid/base balance. Potassium balance is achieved by hormones from the adrenal cortex and the anterior pituitary gland. Potassium contributes to:- the normal functioning of the nervous system- normal muscle function- maintaining normal blood pressure