The Skeletal System
What You’ll Learn
Calcium homeostasis refers to the maintenance of a constant concentration of calcium ions in the extracellular fluid, which is critical for normal body functions. This process is regulated by the interplay of the skeletal, endocrine, digestive, and urinary systems, involving hormones like parathyroid hormone (PTH), calcitonin, and vitamin D.When blood calcium levels are too low, PTH stimulates the release of calcium from bones, increased calcium absorption in the intestines, and reduced calcium excretion by the kidneys, while calcitonin has the opposite effects when blood calcium is too high.Disruptions in calcium homeostasis can lead to conditions like hypocalcemia (low blood calcium) or hypercalcemia (high blood calcium), which can have adverse effects on various body systems.