Sodium Na Atomic Number: Atomic Weight: 22.99 ______________________________________________________________________________ Human Physiology: - Important to circulatory system - Regulates blood pressure, volume of blood, clotting - Helps regulate acid/base balance - Helps carbon dioxide excretion Prevalence: - 6th most abundant element in earths' crust Sources: - Salt - Salt water fish Deficiency: - Rare, generally only during bouts of vomiting and diarrhea Excess: - Increased blood pressure - Hyperthyroidism - Chronic renal failure - Liver disease