CALCIUM METABOLISM Meaning and
Definition
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Calcium metabolism refers to the complex process by which the body regulates and balances calcium levels within the bloodstream in order to support optimum physiological function. Calcium is an essential mineral that plays numerous roles in the body, including the formation and maintenance of strong bones and teeth, nerve signal transmission, muscle contraction, blood clotting, and enzyme activity. Efficient calcium metabolism is crucial for overall health and homeostasis.
The regulation of calcium metabolism involves three main players: parathyroid hormone (PTH), calcitonin, and vitamin D. Parathyroid hormone, secreted by the parathyroid glands, is released when blood calcium levels are low. It acts on the bones, kidneys, and intestines to increase calcium absorption in the intestines, calcium reabsorption in the kidneys, and calcium release from the bones. Calcitonin, produced by the thyroid gland, has the opposite effect by lowering blood calcium levels.
Vitamin D, obtained through sunlight exposure and diet, enhances the absorption of calcium from the intestines, promotes calcium deposition in the bones, and reduces calcium excretion by the kidneys. Together, these mechanisms work to maintain a delicate balance of calcium levels in the blood, ensuring that the body has sufficient amounts for proper functioning while preventing potential hypercalcemia (high calcium levels) or hypocalcemia (low calcium levels).
Imbalances in calcium metabolism can lead to various health issues, such as osteoporosis (weakening of bones), kidney stones, muscle spasms, and even cardiovascular diseases. Understanding and managing calcium metabolism is essential for maintaining optimal bone health and overall wellness.
Common Misspellings for CALCIUM METABOLISM
- xalcium metabolism
- valcium metabolism
- falcium metabolism
- dalcium metabolism
- czlcium metabolism
- cslcium metabolism
- cwlcium metabolism
- cqlcium metabolism
- cakcium metabolism
- capcium metabolism
- caocium metabolism
- calxium metabolism
- calvium metabolism
- calfium metabolism
- caldium metabolism
- calcuum metabolism
- calcjum metabolism
- calckum metabolism
- calcoum metabolism
- calc9um metabolism
Etymology of CALCIUM METABOLISM
The word "calcium" comes from the Latin word "calx", which means "limestone" or "chalk". The term "calcium" was coined by the Swedish chemist Jöns Jacob Berzelius in 1808.
The word "metabolism" comes from the Greek word "metabolē", meaning "change" or "transformation". The term was first used in the medical context to describe the overall chemical processes occurring within a living organism by the French physician and chemist Antoine Lavoisier in the 18th century.
When combined, "calcium metabolism" refers to the biological processes involved in the absorption, distribution, utilization, and excretion of calcium in the body.
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