Table of contents

1. Introduction to Anatomy & Physiology5h 43m
2. Cell Chemistry & Cell Components12h 36m
3. Energy & Cell Processes10h 6m
4. Tissues & Histology10h 3m
5. Integumentary System2h 20m
6. Bones & Skeletal Tissue2h 16m
7. The Skeletal System2h 35m
8. Joints2h 17m
9. Muscle Tissue2h 33m
10. Muscles1h 11m
11. Nervous Tissue and Nervous System1h 35m
12. The Central Nervous System1h 6m
- Introduction to the Central Nervous System
  18m
- The Cerebrum
  48m
13. The Peripheral Nervous System1h 26m
14. The Autonomic Nervous System1h 38m
15. The Special Senses2h 41m
16. The Endocrine System2h 48m
17. The Blood3h 22m
18. The Heart3h 42m
19. The Blood Vessels3h 35m
20. The Lymphatic System3h 16m
21. The Immune System14h 37m
22. The Respiratory System3h 20m
23. The Digestive System2h 5m
24. Metabolism and Nutrition4h 0m
25. The Urinary System2h 39m
26. Fluid and Electrolyte Balance, Acid Base Balance37m
27. The Reproductive System2h 5m
28. Human Development1h 21m
29. Heredity3h 32m

26. Fluid and Electrolyte Balance, Acid Base Balance

Electrolyte Balance

Anatomy & Physiology

26. Fluid and Electrolyte Balance, Acid Base Balance

Electrolyte Balance

Previous problemNext problem

Problem 5

Textbook Question

Calcium homeostasis primarily reflects:
(a) A balance between absorption in the gut and excretion by the kidneys
(b) Careful regulation of the blood calcium level by the kidneys
(c) An interplay between parathyroid hormone and aldosterone,
(d) An interplay among reserves in the bones, the rate of absorption, and the rate of excretion
(e) Hormonal control of calcium reserves in the bones

Verified step by step guidance

Step 1: Understand the concept of calcium homeostasis. Calcium homeostasis refers to the regulation of calcium levels in the body to maintain a stable internal environment. This involves processes such as absorption, storage, and excretion, as well as hormonal regulation.

Step 2: Identify the key players in calcium regulation. The primary hormones involved in calcium homeostasis are parathyroid hormone (PTH), calcitonin, and calcitriol (active vitamin D). These hormones regulate calcium levels by influencing bone storage, intestinal absorption, and kidney excretion.

Step 3: Analyze the role of bones in calcium homeostasis. Bones act as a major reservoir for calcium. When blood calcium levels drop, PTH stimulates the release of calcium from bones into the bloodstream. Conversely, when calcium levels are high, calcitonin promotes calcium storage in bones.

Step 4: Examine the role of the gut and kidneys. Calcium absorption occurs in the intestines, primarily regulated by calcitriol. The kidneys play a role in excreting excess calcium and reabsorbing calcium under the influence of PTH to maintain balance.

Step 5: Evaluate the options provided. The correct answer should reflect the interplay among calcium reserves in bones, the rate of absorption in the gut, and the rate of excretion by the kidneys, as well as the hormonal regulation that coordinates these processes.

Verified video answer for a similar problem:

This video solution was recommended by our tutors as helpful for the problem above

Play a video:

Was this helpful?

Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Calcium Homeostasis

Calcium homeostasis refers to the regulation of calcium levels in the body, which is crucial for various physiological functions, including muscle contraction, nerve transmission, and blood coagulation. The body maintains calcium balance through a complex interplay of dietary intake, renal excretion, and hormonal regulation, ensuring that calcium levels remain within a narrow range.

Hormonal Regulation

Hormonal regulation of calcium involves key hormones such as parathyroid hormone (PTH) and calcitonin, which work to increase or decrease blood calcium levels. PTH raises calcium levels by promoting bone resorption, increasing intestinal absorption, and reducing renal excretion, while calcitonin lowers calcium levels by inhibiting bone resorption and enhancing calcium excretion in the kidneys.

Bone Reserves and Excretion

Bones serve as a major reservoir for calcium, releasing or absorbing calcium ions as needed to maintain homeostasis. The balance between calcium absorption from the gut, excretion through the kidneys, and mobilization from bone reserves is essential for maintaining stable blood calcium levels, highlighting the importance of both dietary intake and physiological regulation.

Watch next

Master Osmosis and Osmolarity with a bite sized video explanation from Bruce Bryan

Start learning

Related Videos

Related Practice

Multiple Choice

Which of the following conditions would cause the nurse to monitor for hyperkalemia?

views

Textbook Question

Your friend argues that all water conducts electricity, regardless of what it contains. You prepare three liquids to test this hypothesis: one with distilled water (with no solutes, only water molecules), one with 5% glucose in distilled water, and one with 5% sodium chloride in water. Which of these solutions, if any, will conduct an electric current? Explain.

views

Multiple Choice

Which of the following conditions can result from a high potassium level (hyperkalemia)?

views

Textbook Question

What are the primary effects of angiotensin II on kidney function and regulation?

views

Textbook Question

Mary, a nursing student, has been caring for burn patients. She notices that they consistently show elevated levels of potassium in their urine and wonders why. What would you tell her?

views

Multiple Choice

Which of the following is NOT an electrolyte?

The most abundant cation in extracellular fluid is potassium.