In: Biology
Plasma hypocalcemia would stimulate the activity of
A. |
Osteoclasts |
|
B. |
Osteogenic cells |
|
C. |
Osteoblasts |
|
D. |
Calcitonin |
Calcium, like other minerals, is maintained undergoes a homeostasis in the body. The blood levels of calcium correspond to the free calcium. On the other hand, calcium is deposited into the bone which relates to the stored calcium reserves. Based on the body needs, a decent amount of calcium is circulated through the blood while rest is kept stored into the bones.
This is governed by the hormones like Calcitonin and Parthyroid hormone. When the blood calcium level rises, the parafollicular cells present in the thyroid gland release calcitonin hormone. This hormone supresses the release of Parathyroid hormone. It also acts on the osteoclasts. Osteoclasts are the bone-eating cells thereby regulating the release of minerals from the bone cells or osteoblasts. Calcitonin rise acts on osteoclasts and osteoblasts, thereby preventing osteoclasts from chewing off any more bone cells and allowing osteoblasts to sequester more of free calcium for storage.
In the case of hypocalcemia, the blood calcium levels are lower than normal. As a result, the calcitonin is rendered inactive. This stimulates the Parathyroid hormone, which acts on osteoclasts. The osteoclasts then get activated and digest bone cells thereby releasing the stored calcium into the blood for use.
Thus, plasma hypocalcemia stimulates the activity of osteoclasts.