Question

Which body fluid compartment contains higher levels of Na+, Cl-, and HCO3-?

A. plasma only
B. intracellular fluid only
C. interstitial fluid only
D. both plasma and intracellular fluid
E. both plasma and interstitial fluid

Answer 1

The body fluid compartment that contains higher levels of Na+, Cl-, and HCO3- is plasma and interstitial fluid (Option E).

Step-by-step explanation:

The body fluid compartment that contains higher levels of Na+, Cl-, and HCO3- is plasma and interstitial fluid (Option E).

Plasma is the fluid component of blood and contains high concentrations of sodium (Na+), chloride (Cl-), and bicarbonate (HCO3-), along with proteins. Interstitial fluid (IF) surrounds cells and also has high concentrations of Na+, Cl-, and HCO3- compared to intracellular fluid (ICF).

Overall, both plasma and interstitial fluid have similar compositions, while intracellular fluid has elevated amounts of potassium, phosphate, magnesium, and proteins.