Control of Calcium: Parathyroid Hormone, Calcitonin & Vitamin D

These flashcards cover key vocabulary terms related to the endocrinology and physiological control of calcium.

Parathyroid Hormone (PTH)

A hormone produced by the parathyroid glands that regulates calcium levels in the blood.

Calcitonin (CT)

A hormone produced by the thyroid C-cells that lowers blood calcium levels.

Vitamin D (1,25-Dihydroxy-Vitamin D3)

The active form of vitamin D that helps in calcium absorption from the GI tract.

Calcium Homeostasis

The regulation of calcium levels in the body to maintain physiological balance.

Hypocalcemia

A medical condition characterized by low levels of calcium in the blood.

Hypercalcemia

A condition where there are elevated levels of calcium in the blood.

Ca++

The chemical symbol for calcium ions, which play critical roles in cellular processes and signaling.

Feedback Control

Mechanisms that maintain hormone levels, often through negative feedback to regulate endocrine function.

Bone Resorption

The process by which osteoclasts break down bone tissue, releasing minerals into the bloodstream.

Calbindin

A calcium-binding protein that facilitates calcium absorption in the intestines.

Osteoblasts

Bone-forming cells that synthesize the bone matrix.

Osteoclasts

Cells that break down bone tissue during the process of bone resorption.

Half-life of Hormones

The time it takes for the concentration of a hormone to decrease by half in the bloodstream.