Sodium and potassium are both essential electrolytes, but they play different roles in maintaining fluid balance within the body.
A key difference is their function in fluid regulation:
- Potassium: Primarily holds water inside the cells.
- Sodium: Primarily holds water outside the cells.
| Feature | Sodium | Potassium |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Location | Outside the cells | Inside the cells |
| Function | Regulates fluid outside cells | Regulates fluid inside cells |
In short, while both sodium and potassium are electrolytes that help retain fluids, potassium works mainly inside cells, while sodium works mainly outside cells.
