A salt of hydrochloric acid.
A major anion in the extracellular fluid. The major dietary source is table salt (NaCl). The normal concentration of chloride ions in serum is about 100 meq/L.
Chloride is the most abundant extracellular anion. Most of our dietary chloride is provided by salt (NaCl); however, chloride is also present in foods such as seafood, dairy foods, meats, and eggs. Many of chloride’s functions are related to those of sodium, the extracellular cation whose charges are negatively opposed by chloride. Chloride is also a part of hydrochloric acid (HC1); thus, it is critical for digestion and for destroying pathogens that enter the stomach. Chloride also exchanges with the bicarbonate anion (HC03) in red blood cells in the process of delivering carbon dioxide (C02) to the lungs.
A mineral, generally found in a compound with sodium as table salt, that is important in the functioning of the body’s digestive juices (such as forming hydrocholoric acid in the stomach). Either too much or too little chloride can upset the chemical balance of the body.
An ion form (negatively charged) of chlorine; one of the major blood electrolytes.
In blood, it is measured to provide diagnostic information on acid-base balance, osmotic status, and water balance. In CSF, it is measured to detect brain or spinal infection or other abnormalities. In sweat, it is measured to aid in the diagnosis of fibrocystic disease (in which it is elevated). In urine, it is measured to diagnose drug toxicity, dehydration, and some forms of kidney disease (it is decreased with excessive excretion of urine, sweating, diarrhea, or vomiting).
A binary compound of chlorine; a salt of hydrochloric acid. In health, blood serum contains 100 to 110 mmol/L of chloride ions.