Calcium ions
Calcium ions
Calcium ions (pronounced as /ˈkalsiəm ˈaɪɑːnz/) are positively charged atoms of the element calcium. They play a crucial role in various physiological and biochemical processes in the body.
Etymology
The term "calcium" comes from the Latin word calx, meaning 'lime', and "ion" is derived from the Greek word iόn, meaning 'going'. The term "calcium ion" thus refers to a 'going lime', indicating its active role in biological systems.
Role in the Body
Calcium ions are essential for cell signaling, neurotransmission, muscle contraction, and blood clotting. They also play a significant role in maintaining the structure of bones and teeth.
Related Terms
- Ion: An atom or molecule with a net electric charge due to the loss or gain of one or more electrons.
- Electrolyte: A substance that produces an electrically conducting solution when dissolved in a polar solvent, such as water.
- Homeostasis: The state of steady internal, physical, and chemical conditions maintained by living systems.
- Osteoporosis: A condition in which bones become weak and brittle, often due to a lack of calcium.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Calcium ions
- Wikipedia's article - Calcium ions
This WikiMD dictionary article is a stub. You can help make it a full article.
Languages: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
Urdu,
বাংলা,
తెలుగు,
தமிழ்,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
русский,
português do Brasil,
Italian,
polski