Calcium channel
Calcium Channel
Calcium channels are ion channels of plasma membranes and inner membranes of cells which allow the passage of calcium ions into the cell.
Pronunciation
Cal-cium Chan-nel
Etymology
The term "calcium" is derived from the Latin calx or calcis, meaning lime. The term "channel" comes from the Latin canalis, meaning a pipe, tube, or gutter.
Function
Calcium channels play a crucial role in the electrophysiology of excitable cells such as neurons, muscle cells, and some types of endocrine cells. They are involved in a variety of calcium-dependent processes, including muscle contraction, neuron firing, and cell growth.
Types
There are several types of calcium channels, categorized based on their conductance, gating mechanisms, and sensitivity to drugs and toxins. These include:
- Voltage-gated calcium channels (VGCCs)
- Receptor-operated calcium channels (ROCCs)
- Second messenger-operated calcium channels (SMOCCs)
- Store-operated calcium channels (SOCCs)
Related Terms
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Calcium channel
- Wikipedia's article - Calcium channel
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