Q5.11. marathon runners can lose a great deal of na + (through sweat). some runners compensate by drinking large quantities of water (far more than they lost). in extreme cases, this causes mental confusion and loss of muscle coordination. what is happening to the neurons of such a runner?

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Miss Kitty

Biology

9 February, 02:48

Q5.11. marathon runners can lose a great deal of na + (through sweat). some runners compensate by drinking large quantities of water (far more than they lost). in extreme cases, this causes mental confusion and loss of muscle coordination. what is happening to the neurons of such a runner?

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Alan · Answer 1

Na + loss through sweet plus the dilution has lowered Na + concentration outside of neurons, altering the Na + equilibrium potential.

Sodium exists more outside the cells than inside. When Na + is lost by sweat plus the dilution (because they drink a lot of water) changes the concentration outside the cell, forcing the water to enter the cell

and attempt to balance the concentration inside/outside. The problem is that the abundance of water will cause the cells to swell.

Most cells can adapt, however, the brain cells can't that's why the runner has confusion and can't control the muscles.

if not treated and this occurs in less than 48 hours, it can be immediately fatal.