Final answer:
The term "ionic" when referring to plasma indicates that it contains essential dissolved ions which are crucial for body functions such as electric signal transmission in nerves and muscles, maintaining structural integrity of proteins, and regulating fluid balance and pH.
Step-by-step explanation:
When the plasma of the extracellular fluid is referred to as "ionic," it means that it contains dissolved ions such as sodium (Na+), potassium (K+), calcium (Ca++), magnesium (Mg++), as well as various anions like chloride (Cl-), bicarbonate (HCO3-), phosphate, and sulphate. These ions are essential for various physiological processes, including the transmission of electrical impulses, stabilization of protein structures, hormone release, and maintenance of osmotic balance and fluid homeostasis in the body. The movement of these electrolytes helps in regulating nerve impulse conduction, muscle contractions, and the balance of water in various fluid compartments.
Plasma's ionic composition contributes to its electrical neutrality, even though it may contain unequal concentrations of individual types of ions, such as higher levels of sodium relative to chloride. In essence, plasma is a solution that carries electrically charged particles crucial to the body's function. The uneven distribution of ions across cell membranes establishes concentration and electrical gradients that facilitate vital biological processes.