electrolyte

(noun)

any of the various ions (such as sodium or chloride) that regulate the electric charge on cells and the flow of water across their membranes

Related Terms

Examples of electrolyte in the following topics:

  • Damage to the Cell Wall

    • Damage to the cell wall disturbs the state of cell electrolytes, which can activate death pathways (apoptosis or programmed cell death).

  • Campylobacter

    • In most cases symptomatic treatment by liquid and electrolyte replacement is enough in human infections.

  • Cholera

    • If the severe diarrhea is not treated with intravenous rehydration, it can result in life-threatening dehydration and electrolyte imbalances .

  • Bacterial Gastroenteritis

    • Electrolytes and kidney function should also be checked when there is a concern about severe dehydration.

  • Salmonellosis

    • In severe forms of the disease, enough liquid and electrolytes are lost to upset the body's metabolism of water and salt, decreasing the circulating blood volume and arterial pressure to enough of a degree to cause hypovolemic shock.