Which pair of minerals is essential for the transmission of nerve impulses?

Sodium and potassium are critical for the transmission of nerve impulses primarily due to their roles in creating and maintaining the resting membrane potential of neurons, as well as in action potentials.

During nerve impulse transmission, an influx of sodium ions into the neuron triggers depolarization, which is necessary for the generation of an action potential. Once the impulse has passed, potassium ions flow out of the neuron to help return the cell to its resting state through repolarization. This alternating movement of sodium and potassium across the neuronal membrane is essential for the rapid and efficient transmission of electrical signals along nerves.

While other minerals listed can play roles in various physiological functions, they do not directly influence the rapid signaling process of nerve impulses as sodium and potassium do. This makes sodium and potassium the optimal choice when discussing the specific minerals essential for nerve impulse transmission.