Intracellular fluid: Difference between revisions

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Created page with "There is a primary division between two body fluid compartments – the intracellular fluid (ICF) and the extracellular fluid (ECF). The ICF represents al..."
 
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Latest revision as of 20:32, 26 November 2013

There is a primary division between two body fluid compartments – the intracellular fluid (ICF) and the extracellular fluid (ECF). The ICF represents all the fluid in the cells, whereas the ECF represents everything outside the cells. They are separated by a semi-permeable plasma membrane, meaning that nothing can diffuse between them. The ICF contains a high concentration of potassium ions and a low concentration of sodium and chloride ions compared the the ECF. This concentration is maintained by sodium/potassium pumps in the plasma membrane which actively transports sodium ions out of the cell and potassium ions into the cell.