Calcium is a(n) ______ electrolyte of body fluids.

• A. major
• B. minor
• C. nonessential
• D. primary

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the term 'electrolyte' as a substance that dissociates into ions in body fluids and conducts electricity.
2. Recognize that electrolytes in body fluids are classified based on their concentration and physiological importance into major and minor electrolytes.
3. Recall that calcium (Ca^{2+}) is present in body fluids but in relatively lower concentration compared to major electrolytes like sodium (Na^{+}) and potassium (K^{+}).
4. Identify that calcium plays important roles such as bone formation and muscle function but is considered a minor electrolyte due to its lower concentration in extracellular fluid.
5. Conclude that calcium is classified as a 'minor' electrolyte of body fluids based on its concentration and physiological role.