A positively charged ion.
- c.–anion balance — the balance in serum or plasma between the anions and cations must equilibrate near to the level of 155 mEq/l. Estimation of any imbalance, usually by chloride and bicarbonate measurement, is basic to any determination of acid–base abnormality.
- c. channels — channels through selectively permeable membranes via which only cations can migrate.
- dietary c.-anion difference — prepartum has a major influence on the incidence of hypocalcemia (milk fever) in dairy cattle and, in the control of the disease, is manipulated so as to result in a metabolic acidosis which facilitates the mobilization of calcium. Defined as milliequivalents of (Na+K)–(Cl+S) per kg DM diet.
- c.-exchange resin — ion-exchange resin.
