T3 Calcium Flashcards
What occurs with an increase in calcium?
causes progressive depression of the nervous system
What occurs with a decrease in calcium?
causes the nervous system to become more excited.
What types of cells are sensitive to changes in calcium ion concentrations?
excitable cells, like neurons
Where is 85% of the body’s phosphate stored?
bones
What are the major changes when the level of phosphate in the EC fluid changes?
none
Why does the membrane of neurons become more excitable during times of hypocalcemia?
increased neuronal membrane permeability to sodium ions
Hypocalcemia may cause ___________, which ordinarily occurs when the blood concentration of Ca2+ falls from 9.5 to 6 mg/dl (35% lower than normal).
tetany
How much of the daily percentage of calcium is excreted?
90%, or 250 mg/day
Renal phosphate excretion is controlled by what mechanism?
over-flow mechanism
What hormone can greatly increase phosphate excretion?
PTH
What is the normal level of calcium?*
9.5 mg/dl
What is the lethal level of calcium?*
4 mg/dl
What are the intake rates of calcium and phosphorus daily?
1000 mg/day
What cofactor promotes calcium absorption in the intestines?
Vitamin D
What is an inhibitor that does not allow hydroxyapatite precipitation?
pyrophosphate
Where are hydroxyapatite inhibitors?
all tissues and plasma, to prevent precipitation
The precipitation of __________ along the collagen fibers eventually forms hydroxyapatite crystals.
calcium
Under abnormal conditions, calcium salts do not precipitate. When does this occur?
when the inhibitor factors that normally prevent deposition of calcium salts disappear from the tissues
What form of calcium can be absorbed rapidly when there is a need for extra calcium in the extracellular fluid?
amorphous state allows for rapid reabsorption
If you inject calcium salts intravenously, what is the effect?
calcium ion concentration may increase immediately to high levels, but within 30-60 minutes the concentration returns to normal. same if you remove large quantities of calcium