Final answer:
Muscle cramps are involuntary muscle contractions caused by dehydration and a loss of sodium as a result of profuse sweating.
Step-by-step explanation:
Involuntary muscle contractions caused by dehydration and a loss of sodium as a result of profuse sweating are commonly referred to as muscle cramps. When the body is dehydrated and loses sodium through excessive sweating, the electrolyte balance is disrupted, leading to muscle cramps. The lack of water and sodium affects the normal functioning of muscles, causing them to contract involuntarily.