When one eats a high-sodium meal, why does it not raise the sodium ion concentration of body fluids?
A) The osmolarity of the ECF falls.
B) Osmosis moves water from the digestive epithelium to the ECF.
C) Both the ECF and the ICF become more dilute.
D) There is an increase in the volume of the ICF.
E) Water is exchanged for sodium chloride as it crosses the digestive epithelium.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

When one eats a high-sodium meal, the excess sodium ions are absorbed into the digestive epithelium, creating a high concentration gradient. This gradient drives osmosis, causing water to move from the digestive epithelium to the extracellular fluid (ECF). This dilutes the sodium ions in the ECF, preventing a significant increase in sodium ion concentration.

When One Eats a High-Sodium Meal, Why Does It Not