What are electrolytes?

Electrolytes are essential substances in the body that consist of salts and other chemicals dissolved in body fluids. These compounds dissociate into ions and are critical for various physiological functions, including maintaining fluid balance, transmitting nerve signals, and muscle contractions. The presence of electrolytes in bodily fluids helps regulate hydration levels and is vital for overall cellular function.

Electrolytes include commonly known salts like sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium, which play significant roles in everyday bodily functions. For instance, they help manage pH levels and the movement of fluids in and out of cells, making them indispensable for health and performance, particularly during physical activity.

The other choices refer to concepts that are unrelated to the specific definition of electrolytes. Nutrients required for body temperature regulation, energy-providing compounds, and specialized tissues conducting nerve impulses all represent different aspects of human physiology but do not accurately describe what electrolytes are.