Calcium Is Important for Intracellular Reactions, Including Muscle Contraction, Nerve Cell Activity, Release of Hormones Through Exocytosis, and Activation of Enzymes

The control of calcium and phosphate metabolism is impor­tant because these ions play a major role in physiological processes. Calcium homeostasis is tightly controlled; adjust­ments are made within a range of 5% of normal. Calcium is important for a number of intracellular reactions, including muscle contraction, nerve cell activity, the release of hor­mones through the process of exocytosis, and the activation of several enzymes. Calcium is important for coagulation of blood and for maintaining the stability of cell membranes and the linkage between cells. On a less acute basis, calcium is important for the structural integrity of bone and teeth.