Calcium salts form the bulk of the inorganic material in bone. What is the function of the calcium salts?
The correct answer and explanation is:
The function of calcium salts in bone is primarily to provide hardness and strength to the bone structure. Calcium salts, mainly in the form of calcium phosphate crystals called hydroxyapatite, give bones their rigid and durable quality, enabling them to support the body and protect vital organs.
Explanation:
Bone is composed of both organic and inorganic materials. The organic part mainly consists of collagen fibers, which provide flexibility and tensile strength. The inorganic component is primarily made up of calcium salts, especially hydroxyapatite, a crystalline complex of calcium and phosphate. This mineral content is responsible for the hardness and rigidity of bones.
Calcium salts act as the main mineral deposit in bones, forming a dense matrix that surrounds the collagen framework. This mineralization process allows bones to resist compression and mechanical stresses encountered during daily activities such as walking, running, or lifting. Without the calcium salts, bones would be too soft and flexible, similar to cartilage, and unable to provide adequate structural support.
Additionally, the calcium salts stored in bones serve as a reservoir for calcium ions in the body. Calcium is essential for various physiological functions including muscle contraction, nerve conduction, and blood clotting. When blood calcium levels drop, the body can mobilize calcium from the bone minerals to maintain necessary levels in the bloodstream, highlighting the importance of bones in calcium homeostasis.
In summary, calcium salts in bones contribute both to the mechanical strength and hardness of the skeletal system and act as a storage site for calcium ions critical to many bodily functions. This dual role is essential for maintaining skeletal integrity and overall physiological balance.