Final answer:
In the body, 99% of calcium is found in bones and teeth, crucial for various functions including muscle contraction, enzyme activity, and blood coagulation. Calcium levels are finely regulated, and it must be ingested through the diet.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the body, 99% of calcium is found in bones and teeth. This mineral provides hardness to the bone and serves as a mineral reserve not only for the skeleton but also affects other critical bodily functions. Calcium ions (Ca²+) play a significant role in muscle contraction, enzyme activity, and blood coagulation. Moreover, calcium is essential for stabilizing cell membranes and the release of neurotransmitters and hormones. Calcium homeostasis is crucial for maintaining healthy bodily functions, with normal blood levels being about 10 mg/dL, and disruptions to this balance can lead to hypo-or hypercalcemia.
Calcium cannot be produced by the body and must be ingested through the diet. The bones are a key storage site for calcium, with a finely regulated balance involving PTH, vitamin D, and calcitonin, ensuring that calcium levels in the blood are maintained. Phosphate works with calcium to be incorporated into bones and teeth, where it accounts for over 90 percent of their combined entry into the body.