Diuretics cause the kidneys to produce large amounts of urine. Unfortunately, they can also cause the loss of large quantities of K+ in the urine. What effect might prolonged use of diuretics have on nerve or muscle cells?
What will be an ideal response?
Low concentrations of potassium in the blood is a condition called hypokalemia. Interstitial fluids would similarly become low in K+. As the resting potential of nerve and muscle cells depends primarily on extracellular K+ concentration, the potential would be altered. Decreased extracellular K+ would increase the concentration gradient for movement of K+ out of the cells, which would gradually hyperpolarize the potential as positive ions exit and make the cells less excitable (farther from threshold).
You might also like to view...
Which of the following is one of the steps that ends a contraction?
A) Sarcoplasmic reticulum absorbs sodium ions. B) Acetylcholine binds to receptors on the sarcolemma. C) Calcium ions bind to troponin. D) Acetylcholine is broken down by acetylcholinesterase. E) An action potential spreads across the entire surface of the muscle fiber.
The simple sugar glucose is an example of a
A. glycogen. B. lipid. C. polysaccharide. D. monosaccharide. E. polymer.
A renal pyramid voids urine into a __________.
A. minor calyx B. major calyx C. renal medulla D. renal papilla E. ureter
Which of the following is not an intrinsic muscle of the head?
A. Frontal belly of the occipitofrontalis B. Sternocleidomastoid C. Temporalis D. Risorius E. Nasalis