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*reduced concentration of potassium in the ECF leads to plasma membranes hyperpolarization resulting in decreased firing of action potentials. This causes skeletal muscle weakness and cardiac abnormalities.
*reduced concentration of potassium in the ECF leads to plasma membranes hyperpolarization resulting in decreased firing of action potentials. This causes skeletal muscle weakness and cardiac abnormalities.
*increased concentration of potassium in the ECF leads to membrane depolarisation which is inappropriately triggered by action potentials. This can make the membrane insensitive to further stimulation causing cardiac abnormalities.
*increased concentration of potassium in the ECF leads to membrane depolarisation which is inappropriately triggered by action potentials. This can make the membrane insensitive to further stimulation causing cardiac abnormalities.
==Sources of Potassium==
==Sources of Potassium==
Potassium is absorbed via passive diffusion from the [[Small Intestine Overview - Anatomy & Physiology|small intestine]] and via active transport from the [[Colon - Anatomy & Physiology|colon]]. It is regulated efficiently by [[Aldosterone|aldosterone]] levels and recovery from cellular breakdown during haemolysis or tissue damage.
Potassium is absorbed via passive diffusion from the [[Small Intestine Overview - Anatomy & Physiology|small intestine]] and via active transport from the [[Colon - Anatomy & Physiology|colon]]. It is regulated efficiently by [[Aldosterone|aldosterone]] levels and recovery from cellular breakdown during haemolysis or tissue damage.
* The resulting increased cellular uptake of potassium results in it moving down the electrochemical gradient into the nephron
* The resulting increased cellular uptake of potassium results in it moving down the electrochemical gradient into the nephron
2.Potassium: High potassium = increased potassium excretion which triggers the release of aldosterone.
2.Potassium: High potassium = increased potassium excretion which triggers the release of aldosterone.
[[Category:Electrolytes]]
[[Category:Electrolytes]]
[[Category:Minerals]]
[[Category:Minerals]]