A discussion on how the plasma concentration of calcium in the body is controlled.
This paper examines how calcium is a crucial component of the function of the nervous, cardiac and musculoskeletal system and how there are often stresses on the calcium levels in the plasma as various systems require more calcium than normal. It focuses on the regulation of the total body calcium levels, the mechanisms and levels of complexity involved as well as touching on some of the clinical conditions that arise when this system does not function effectively.
“The importance of the PTH secretion is evident in deficient systems. In hypoparathyroidism, not enough PTH is present to respond adequately to the fall in Ca. This tends to cause hypocalcaemic problems, including tetany. This is also true for pseudohypoparathyroidism, where there is a defect bin the PTH receptors, preventing the PTH from having an effect. There are also problems associated with excess PTH causing hypercalcaemia. These conditions include hyperparathyroidism arising from tumours that secrete excess PTH. These patients not only have hypercalcaemia, but often have osteoporosis, urinary stones and sluggish CNS.”