Final answer:
Calcium is the mineral vital for various body functions including blood clotting, muscle contraction, nerve transmission, and maintaining strong bones. A deficiency can lead to conditions such as osteoporosis, affecting bone strength and increasing fracture risk.
Step-by-step explanation:
The mineral responsible for critical biological processes such as blood clotting, nerve activity, muscle contraction, and maintaining strong bones is calcium. Calcium is essential for calcium absorption for bone development and strength. It also plays a crucial role in maintaining a stable nervous system and a normal and strong heartbeat. Calcium ions are necessary for blood coagulation, regulation of nerve impulse conduction, and contraction of smooth and skeletal muscle cells. An adequate level of calcium, about 10 mg/dL in the blood, is vital; otherwise, a person may experience conditions like hypo- or hypercalcemia. Deficiency of calcium throughout life can lead to osteoporosis, a condition where bones become porous and brittle, leading to an increased risk of fractures.