Parathyroid Disorders Flashcards
(59 cards)
What are the main organs involved in calcium and phosphate homeostasis?
Bone, kidneys, gastrointestinal tract
These organs work together to regulate levels of calcium and phosphate in the body.
What hormone regulates plasma calcium and phosphate levels?
Parathyroid hormone (PTH)
PTH plays a critical role in maintaining calcium and phosphate balance.
What is the role of vitamin D in calcium-phosphate homeostasis?
Regulates calcium and phosphate absorption and metabolism
Vitamin D is essential for the proper utilization of calcium and phosphate.
What is the function of fibroblast growth factor-23 (FGF23)?
Inhibits renal phosphate reabsorption and vitamin D synthesis
FGF23 helps to regulate phosphate levels in the body.
What is the reference range for total calcium in blood?
8.6 to 10.2 mg/dL; 2.2 to 2.6 mmol/L (SI)
These values indicate the normal concentration of calcium in the bloodstream.
What percentage of calcium in the blood is ionized (active form)?
~ 50%
Ionized calcium is the biologically active form of calcium.
What is the reference range for ionized calcium?
4.5 to 4.9 mg/dL; 1.12 to 1.23 mmol/L (SI)
Ionized calcium levels are critical for various physiological functions.
What is the reference range for serum phosphate?
3 to 4.5 mg/dL; 0.97 to 1.45 mmol/L (SI)
Serum phosphate levels are vital for energy storage and bone health.
How is calcium absorbed in the intestine?
Transcellular active transport and paracellular passive process
Calcium absorption is regulated by vitamin D and occurs mainly in the duodenum and upper jejunum.
What is the role of osteoblasts in bone mineralization?
Secrete collagen I and express alkaline phosphatase (ALP)
Osteoblasts are essential for the formation and mineralization of bone.
What hormone is synthesized by the chief cells of the parathyroid glands?
Parathyroid hormone (PTH)
PTH is crucial for calcium homeostasis and is stimulated by low calcium levels.
What is the effect of FGF23 on phosphate transporters in the proximal convoluted tubule (PCT)?
Decreases expression of phosphate transporters
This leads to increased renal phosphate excretion.
What is the primary mechanism of calcium reabsorption in the kidneys?
Proximal convoluted tubule (65%) and thick ascending limb (25%)
Calcium reabsorption is regulated by sodium and PTH.
What is the role of calcitonin in calcium homeostasis?
Lowers blood calcium levels
Calcitonin is secreted by the thyroid gland and counteracts the effects of PTH.
What is the active form of vitamin D?
1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol (calcitriol)
Calcitriol is crucial for calcium and phosphate absorption in the intestines.
What is the primary site of phosphate absorption in the intestine?
Throughout the small intestine
Phosphate absorption is also regulated by vitamin D.
True or False: Osteoclasts are responsible for bone resorption.
True
Osteoclasts break down bone tissue, releasing calcium and phosphate into the bloodstream.
What is the effect of PTH on bone resorption?
Stimulates bone resorption
PTH increases calcium levels in the blood by promoting the activity of osteoclasts.
What condition can result from mutations in the PHEX gene?
Increased plasma FGF23 levels
This can lead to hypophosphatemia and related disorders.
Fill in the blank: The primary excretion of calcium occurs through the _______.
bile
Calcium excretion in the intestine is larger than that in the kidney.
What is the role of sodium-potassium ATPase in phosphate absorption?
Maintains sodium gradient for sodium-phosphate transporters
This gradient is crucial for the active transport of phosphate in the intestines.
What is the impact of chronic kidney disease on calcium and phosphate homeostasis?
Increased phosphate retention and decreased calcium levels
This can lead to secondary hyperparathyroidism and bone disorders.
What is PTH?
Parathyroid hormone, synthesized and stored in glands, responds within minutes to hypocalcemia
Where are the parathyroid glands located?
Posterior aspect of the thyroid, sometimes five glands