Science in Physical Education:

Chemical Elements Sodium & Potassium in Exercise

 

   The ionic forms of the chemical elements sodium (Na) and potassium (K) are required for muscular contraction. One of the many reasons why we are able to move our bodies is a result of the movement of sodium ions (Na+) and potassium ions (K+) into and out of the muscle cell (Figure 1). The movement of Na+ and K+ leads to eight more steps thereafter, which eventually causes the muscle to contract, thus, producing movement of a body part.

 

Figure 1: Illustration of the movement of sodium and potassium ions into and out of a muscle cell

 

HOMEWORK QUESTIONS:

 

1. Name food sources from which you can obtain sodium and potassium in your diet.

 

2. Identify a disease or health condition caused by the depletion of sodium and/or potassium in your body.

 

 

 

ss-12/20/13