CVS Practice Test

What is the ratio of extracellular to intracellular chloride concentration?

1. 4:1

2. 1:4

3. 14:1

4. 1:30

The correct answer is: 4:1

The ratio of extracellular to intracellular chloride concentration is approximately 4:1. This means that there is a significantly higher concentration of chloride ions outside the cell compared to the inside. Chloride (Cl-) is a key electrolyte that plays a crucial role in maintaining osmotic balance and electrical neutrality across cell membranes. The higher extracellular concentration of chloride helps drive chloride into the cell through various transport mechanisms, which is vital for numerous physiological processes, including action potential generation in neurons and muscle cells. Understanding this ratio is essential in various biological contexts, particularly when considering how cells maintain their potential and function effectively under different physiological conditions. The other ratios provided are not reflective of the established concentrations found in most cells, which is why they do not represent the typical extracellular to intracellular chloride concentration ratio accurately.