Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
A cation is a positively charged ion that has lost one or more electrons. In the context of anatomy and physiology, cations play crucial roles in chemical bonds and are essential for various cellular processes.
Related terms
Ion: An atom or molecule with a net electric charge due to the loss or gain of one or more electrons.
Chemical bond: The physical phenomenon of chemical substances being held together by attraction of atoms to each other through sharing, as well as exchanging, of electrons.
Electrolyte: A substance that produces an electrically conducting solution when dissolved in water, it is often made up of cations and anions which are crucial for bodily functions