Final answer:
Chloride ions help maintain electrical neutrality in the body by balancing cations in the extracellular fluid (ECF).
Step-by-step explanation:
Chloride ions, like other ions in the body, help maintain electrical neutrality. Chloride functions to balance cations in the extracellular fluid (ECF), ensuring that the positive and negative charges are equal. For example, if sodium ions (Na+) are dominant in the ECF, chloride ions (Cl-) will help maintain electrical neutrality by being present in the same concentration. This balance of ions is crucial for proper functioning of cells and maintaining overall fluid balance.