Final answer:
Calcium is essential for proper muscle contraction as it directly triggers the contraction process when released within muscle cells.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Mineral Necessary for Muscle Contraction
The mineral necessary for proper muscle contraction is Calcium (Option A). Calcium plays a crucial role in the body, including being a major component of bones and teeth, blood clotting, nerve function, and significantly, muscle contraction.
When a nerve stimulates a muscle, calcium ions are released within the muscle cells. This release initiates a series of steps that lead to muscle contraction. Without adequate calcium, muscles would not be able to contract correctly, which could lead to muscle weakness or cramps. Other minerals like sodium, potassium, and magnesium also support muscle function, but it is the calcium that is directly involved in triggering the contraction of muscles.