Calcium, Bone Health, and Fluid Regulation During Exercise

This set of flashcards covers important vocabulary related to calcium, bone health, and fluid regulation during exercise, based on the lecture notes.

Calcium

An essential mineral important for bone strength and various bodily functions.

Osteoporosis

A condition characterized by a reduction of bone mass and increased porosity, leading to weakness and fractures.

Collagen

The main structural protein found in bones and connective tissues.

Vitamin D

A fat-soluble vitamin essential for calcium absorption and bone health.

Hormones

Chemical substances produced in the body that regulate various physiological processes, including calcium metabolism.

Parathyroid Hormone (PTH)

A hormone that regulates calcium levels in the blood by increasing calcium absorption and mobilization from bone.

Phosphorus

A mineral that works closely with calcium to maintain bone health.

Bone Mass

The amount of bone tissue in the body, a key factor in determining bone strength.

Weight Bearing

Activities that make you move against gravity, essential for maintaining bone density.

Rickets

A disease caused by vitamin D deficiency that leads to softening of the bones in children.

Hydration

The process of maintaining adequate fluid levels in the body, crucial during exercise.

Electrolytes

Minerals in the body that carry an electric charge, important for various bodily functions, including nerve signaling.

Dehydration

A condition resulting from excessive loss of body water, leading to impaired physiological functions.

Intracellular Fluids

Fluids contained within the cells, constituting a major part of the body's water composition.

Extracellular Fluids

Fluids located outside of the cells, including blood plasma and interstitial fluid.

Calcification

The process by which calcium and phosphorus build up in tissues, leading to hardness, as seen in bones.

Edema

Swelling caused by excess fluid trapped in the body's tissues.

Bone Remodeling

The ongoing process of bone resorption and formation, crucial for maintaining bone mass.

Endurance Athletes

Athletes who participate in prolonged physical activities, often requiring careful hydration management.

Calcium Absorption

The process by which calcium is taken into the body from the diet, significantly influenced by vitamin D.

Osteomalacia

A condition characterized by softening of the bones due to inadequate mineralization.

Loading Response

Bone adaptation to mechanical stress through weight-bearing activities that stimulate bone formation.

Fluid Balance

The equilibrium between fluid intake and output, essential for overall health.

Bisphosphonates

Medications used to treat osteoporosis by inhibiting bone resorption.

Sodium Regulation

The process by which the body maintains sodium levels, critical for fluid balance and blood pressure.

Vitamin D Deficiency

A lack of vitamin D that can lead to weakened bones and increased risk for osteoporosis.

Calcium Requirement

The daily intake of calcium that varies by age and health status, usually recommended at about 1000 mg per day.

Calcitonin

A hormone that helps regulate calcium levels in the body, acting to lower blood calcium levels.

Hyperparathyroidism

A condition characterized by excessive secretion of parathyroid hormone, leading to high calcium levels in the blood.

Menopause

The transition in a woman's life marking the end of her menstrual cycles, often associated with rapid bone loss.

Anorexia Nervosa

An eating disorder characterized by weight loss and nutritional deficiency, often leading to low bone mass.

Competitive Athlete

An individual who participates in sports at a high level, often requiring specific strategies for hydration and nutrient intake.

Thirst Mechanism

The physiological process that triggers the sensation of thirst when the body needs water.

Exercise Impairment

Decreased physical performance due to factors like dehydration or electrolyte imbalance.

Supplementation

The addition of dietary supplements, such as calcium or vitamin D, to address nutritional deficiencies.

Homeostasis

The process by which the body maintains a stable internal environment despite external changes.