Renal physiology series: Part 5a of 8. Renal control of calcium.
Calcium is critical for many metabolic functions. While 99% of body calcium is found as part of the structure of bone and teeth, 1% found in plasma and body cells is crucial for such functions as blood clotting, nerve impulse conduction, and muscle contraction. The homeostasis of calcium is complex because the gastrointestinal tract, the bones, and the kidneys all affect calcium balance. This article reviews the functions, homeostasis, and renal handling and regulation of calcium. The major sites of renal tubular reabsorption and the presumed cellular mechanisms involved are described.
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D002116:Calcitonin / Q000502:physiology; D002118:Calcium / Q000502:physiology*; D002762:Cholecalciferol / Q000502:physiology; D006706:Homeostasis; D006801:Humans; D007668:Kidney / Q000502:physiology*; D010281:Parathyroid Hormone / Q000502:physiology
D010281:Parathyroid Hormone; D002762:Cholecalciferol; D002116:Calcitonin; D002118:Calcium