Answer to Question #121642 in Biochemistry for Livingstone

Question

Outline the mechanisms involved in the regulation of calcium.

Answer 1

Calcium regulation refers to the intake of calcium ions through the GI system, the removal through the renal system and the regulation between the different body compartments such as plasma, intracellular fluids, extracellular fluids and the bone storage compartments (Weaver, 2020). The calcified bones serve as the main storage centers for the calcium and circulatory levels are controlled by bone re-modelling processes.

The plasma calcium regulation and homeostasis is through a series of hormones such as the parathyroid hormone (PTH) and calcitonin. Calcitonin is released when plasma levels of calcium fall below the normal level and serves to elevate the levels by release from stores and intracellular compartments. PTH works to lower the levels of calcium when they rise above normal range. The balance is often through bone resorption and re-modelling.

Reference

Weaver, C. M. (2020). Calcium metabolism in adolescents. Kinetic Models of Trace Element and Mineral Metabolism During Development, 129.