Digestion and Absorption Question 83
83. A patient suffering from cholera is given saline drip because
[1996, 2000]
(a) $Cl^{-}$ions are important component of blood plasma
(b) $Na^{+}$ions help to retain water in the body
(c) $Na^{+}$ions are important in transport of substances across membrane
(d) $Cl^{-}$ions help in the formation of $HCl$ in stomach for digestion
Show Answer
Answer : b
Hints & Solution
(b) In patients affected with cholera, a cholera enterotoxin is produced which results in increased synthesis of intracellular cyclic AMP, which in turn increases the permeability of intestinal mucosa, leading to secretion of fluid throughout the small intestine. Hence the patient is given saline drip whereby $Na^{+}$ions restore the osmotic balance by retaining water in the body.
