Calcium (Ca) in AP Biology

Definition

Calcium is a chemical element that is essential for living organisms, including humans. It's the most abundant mineral in the body and plays a crucial role in various bodily functions such as bone formation, blood clotting, muscle contraction, and nerve transmission.

Related terms

Osteoporosis: A condition characterized by weak and brittle bones due to loss of bone mass or failure to produce enough new bone tissue. This often happens when there's not enough calcium intake.

Hypocalcemia: A condition where there's lower than normal level of calcium in the blood. This can lead to muscle cramps, confusion, or tingling sensation in hands and feet.

Calcitonin: A hormone produced by the thyroid gland that helps regulate levels of calcium and phosphate in the blood, opposing the action of parathyroid hormone.