Final answer:
The absence of oxygen in muscle cells may cause cramps. Proper oxygen and electrolyte levels, particularly calcium, are essential for muscle contraction and preventing cramps.
Step-by-step explanation:
The gas that is absent in muscle cells, which may cause cramps, is oxygen. When oxygen levels are low, a condition known as hypoxia occurs, leading to inadequate production of ATP (adenosine triphosphate). ATP is crucial for muscle contraction and without it, muscles can become fatigued and may cramp.
In addition to getting enough oxygen, maintaining proper electrolyte balance is also essential for muscle function. Electrolytes like sodium (Na+), potassium (K+), and calcium (Ca++) play key roles in muscle contraction and signaling. A deficiency in calcium can cause increased membrane permeability to sodium, resulting in symptoms like muscle twitching and cramping.
When the muscles in your intestine have to squeeze too hard due to insufficient fiber, you can develop diverticulosis. If the wall of the intestine becomes inflamed, the condition is called diverticulitis, analogous to an inflamed appendix condition called appendicitis.