CALCIUM RECEPTORS Meaning and
Definition
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Calcium receptors are a type of sensory protein that can detect and respond to changes in calcium levels within cells and tissues. These receptors are integral to maintaining calcium homeostasis, or the balance of calcium concentrations within the body.
Calcium is a crucial mineral that serves various physiological functions, such as maintaining healthy bones and teeth, regulating muscle contractions, enabling nerve transmission, and supporting blood clotting. Therefore, it is of utmost importance to maintain the appropriate calcium levels in the body.
Calcium receptors are primarily found on the surface of cells, particularly in organs involved in calcium regulation, such as the parathyroid glands, kidneys, and bones. When calcium levels decrease or increase beyond a certain threshold, these receptors initiate a signaling cascade to communicate the change in calcium concentration to the cell.
The activation of calcium receptors triggers numerous cellular responses. For instance, if calcium levels drop, these receptors stimulate the secretion of parathyroid hormone (PTH), which enhances calcium absorption from the kidneys and intestines and promotes calcium release from bones. On the other hand, if calcium levels rise, these receptors may inhibit PTH secretion and decrease calcium absorption to prevent excessive calcium buildup.
Overall, calcium receptors play a crucial role in maintaining the appropriate calcium balance within the body, ensuring the proper functioning of various physiological processes.
Common Misspellings for CALCIUM RECEPTORS
- xalcium receptors
- valcium receptors
- falcium receptors
- dalcium receptors
- czlcium receptors
- cslcium receptors
- cwlcium receptors
- cqlcium receptors
- cakcium receptors
- capcium receptors
- caocium receptors
- calxium receptors
- calvium receptors
- calfium receptors
- caldium receptors
- calcuum receptors
- calcjum receptors
- calckum receptors
- calcoum receptors
- calc9um receptors
Etymology of CALCIUM RECEPTORS
The word "calcium" is derived from the Latin word "calx" meaning "lime". It was named as such because calcium was originally discovered in the form of lime, a common mineral.
The word "receptors" is derived from the Latin word "receptus", which means "received" or "accepted". In biology, receptors are proteins or cell structures that receive and respond to specific stimuli, such as calcium ions.
When combined, "calcium receptors" refers to the proteins or structures in cells that specifically recognize and bind to calcium ions, enabling them to carry out various cellular functions and signaling processes.
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