Calcium

See for

Ca element

Broader Terms

alkaline earth metal

Related Terms

calcium ion, second messenger

Scope Note

basic element found in nearly all organized tissues; a member of the alkaline earth family of metals with the atomic symbol Ca, atomic number 20, and atomic weight 40; it is the most abundant mineral in the body and combines with phosphorus to form calcium phosphate in the bones and teeth; it is essential for the normal functioning of nerves and muscles and plays a role in blood coagulation and in many enzymatic processes.

Facts

• Calcium is an essential component in the life-long process of laying down new bone.
• More than 99% of total body calcium is stored in the bones and teeth where it functions to support their structure.
• Calcium is a mineral that the body needs for numerous functions, including building and maintaining bones and teeth, blood clotting, the transmission of nerve impulses, and the regulation of the heart's rhythm.
• Calcium is a metallic element, fifth in abundance in the earth's crust, of which it forms more than 3%.
• Calcium is an essential nutrient for bone health.