Question

Match the mineral with its function.

1) Body structure, transmission of nerve impulses, blood clotting
2) Transport of oxygen
3) Maintains fluid balance

Answer 1

Calcium is essential for body structure, nerve impulse transmission, and blood clotting; iron is required for oxygen transport in the blood, and sodium and potassium help maintain fluid balance and nerve function.

Step-by-step explanation:

To match the mineral with its function:

1. Calcium is crucial for body structure, the transmission of nerve impulses, and blood clotting. It is stored in bones and released into the bloodstream as needed for muscle contractions and nerve function.
2. Iron is essential for the transport of oxygen in the blood, as it is a key component of hemoglobin.
3. Sodium and potassium are critical for maintaining fluid balance and are involved in nerve function and muscle contraction.

These minerals play a myriad of roles in the body, from constructing various structures to maintaining proper electrolyte balance and fluid homeostasis. The bone matrix acts as a repository for minerals vital to physiological processes, such as maintaining acid-base balance and osmotic pressure, and they influence the regulation and water retention in the body.