Which of the following is a function of electrolytes?

Electrolytes play a crucial role in maintaining the acid-base balance in the body, which is essential for normal physiological functions. They accomplish this through their ability to dissociate into ions in solution, which can then act as either acids or bases. This ionic activity helps regulate the pH levels of bodily fluids, ensuring that the environment remains stable for cellular processes. Electrolytes such as sodium, potassium, chloride, bicarbonate, and phosphate are particularly important in this balance, as they actively participate in buffering systems that resist changes in pH.

In contrast, while electrolytes may have indirect effects on temperature regulation and hormonal function, those are not their primary roles. Body temperature control is largely managed by thermoregulatory mechanisms involving the hypothalamus, while energy storage is primarily performed by macronutrients like carbohydrates and fats. Hormones are produced mainly by glandular tissues and organs and not directly by electrolytes. Thus, the function of maintaining acid-base balance is fundamental to the role electrolytes play in homeostasis.