Calcium

Question 1

what is the normal concentration of calcium in blood

Answer 1

2.2-2.6 mmol/L

Question 2

what is the concentration of calcium in the blood if you are hypercalcaemic

Answer 2

> 2.6 mol/L

Question 3

what is the name of the cells that release calcitonin

Answer 3

parafollica cells

Question 4

what hormone is released in response to hypercalcaemia

Answer 4

calcitonin

Question 5

where is calcitonin produced

Answer 5

thyroid gland

Question 6

describe the action of calcitonin on bine cells

Answer 6

inhibits osteoclasts and stimulates osteoblasts

Question 7

what is the effect of calcitonin in the kidney

Answer 7

inhibits reabsorption of calcium into the blood, more calcium excreted in urine

Question 8

list 3 causes of hypercalcaemia

Answer 8

malignancy
excessive vitamin D in diet
hyperparathyroidism

Question 9

what are the symptoms of hypercalcaemia

Answer 9

bones - painful
stones - kidney stones
groans -nausea, vomiting and constipation
moans -depression and fatigue
thrones- polyuria

Question 10

what is the concentration of calcium in the blood during hypocalcaemia

Answer 10

<2.2 mol/L

Question 11

what hormone is produced in response to hypocalcaemia

Answer 11

parathyroid hormone

Question 12

what cells in the thyroid gland produce PTH

Answer 12

chief cells

Question 13

what is the effect of PTH on bone cells

Answer 13

it causes osteoblasts to produce RANKL, this stimulates osteoclasts to breakdown/ demineralise bone

Question 14

what is the effect of PTH on the kidney

Answer 14

increases reabsorption of calcium and inhibits reabsorption of phosphate

Question 15

list 3 causes of hypocalcaemia

Answer 15

hypoparathyroidism
chronic kidney disease
hyperventilation

Question 16

list 4 symptoms of hypocalcaemia

Answer 16

arrhythmia
convulsions
tetany
numbness

Question 17

describe the metabolism of vitamin D

Answer 17

enters as vitamin D3
liver converts to calcidiol
kidney converts to calcitriol