Which ions are required for the transmission of nerve impulses?

Nerve impulses require the movement of ions across the cell membrane of neurons. When at rest, the inside of the cell is negatively charged with a higher concentration of potassium ions inside and a higher concentration of sodium ions outside. When an impulse is generated, the permeability of the membrane to sodium ions changes, allowing them to rush into the cell and depolarize the membrane, creating an electrical signal that travels down the neuron. Potassium ions then rush out to restore the resting potential. Calcium and magnesium ions are important in nerve function but not directly involved in the transmission of nerve impulses.

Hence, the correct answer is sodium and potassium ions.