Canadian Medical Guide > Chemicals and Drugs > Inorganic Chemicals > Elements > Metals, Alkali > Sodium Terms and Definitions

Sodium

Medical Definition:	An element that is a member of the alkali group of metals. It has the atomic symbol Na, atomic number 11, and atomic weight 23. With a valence of 1, it has a strong affinity for oxygen and other nonmetallic elements. Sodium provides the chief cation of the extracellular body fluids. Its salts are the most widely used in medicine. (From Dorland, 27th ed) Physiologically the sodium ion plays a major role in blood pressure regulation, maintenance of fluid volume, and electrolyte balance.
Guide Notes:	an alkali metal; Na-23; /physiol permitted; /blood: note also HYPERNATREMIA & HYPONATREMIA; /defic: consider also HYPONATREMIA; /metab: consider also SODIUM CHANNELS & SODIUM-POTASSIUM PUMP; /urine: consider also NATRIURESIS; SODIUM, DIETARY is also avail
Also Called:	Sodium Ion Level
CAS Type 1 Name:	CAS Number:	7440-23-5

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