Calcium and Phosphate Regulation Flashcards
Hypocalcemia
low blood calcium concentration
Signs of hypocalcemia
increased neuromuscular excitability
muscle spasms
tetany
cardiac dysfunction
Hypercalcemia
elevated blood calcium concentration
Signs of hypercalcemia
precipitation of calcium phosphate in tissues widespread organ dysfunction and damage constipation PU/PD hyporeflexia coma
What changes the concentration of calcium in plasma?
plasma protein concentration
anion concentration
acid-base abnormalities
Overall calcium homeostasis
small intestine absorbs dietary calcium
bone is a vest reservoir of calcium
kidney reabsorbes calcium back into the blood
What is the most important endocrine regulator of calcium and phosphorous concentrations in ECF?
parathyroid hormone (PTH)
Functions of PTH
stimulate production of biologically-active form of vitamin D within kidney
facilitate mobilization of Ca and P from bone
maximize tubular reabsorption of calcium within the kidney
Functions of vitamin D
facilitates absorption of calcium from small intestines
enhances fluxes of calcium out of bone
Function of calcitonin
reduces blood calcium levels in response to hypercalcemia
Primary hyperparathyroidism
PTH not suppressible by increasing calcium
Signs of primary hyperparathyroidism
PU/PD incontinence listless depression decreased activity
Hypoparathyroidism
inadequate production of parathyroid hormone
Signs of hypoparathyroidism
tetany
convulsions
