What role does potassium play in the body?

Potassium plays a crucial role in maintaining fluid balance and facilitating nerve signaling within the body. It is an essential electrolyte that helps regulate the amount of fluid in and around cells. By helping maintain osmotic pressure, potassium ensures that cells remain hydrated, which is vital for their function.

In addition to its role in fluid balance, potassium is also important for proper nerve signaling. It contributes to the generation and transmission of electrical impulses that allow nerve cells to communicate. This process is critical for muscle contractions and influencing heart rhythm, as well as overall nervous system function.

While the other choices present important functions of nutrients in general—such as hormone production, vitamin absorption, and collagen synthesis—these roles are not the primary functions of potassium. This makes the first option the most accurate and relevant choice regarding potassium's specific contributions in the body.