About ........ of the total calcium present in the human body is in the blood.

Question

Question

This question was previously asked in

RRB Pharmacist Previous Year Paper 2015

Answer 1

Correct Answer: 1%

Rationale:

In the human body, calcium plays a crucial role in various physiological processes, including bone formation, blood clotting, muscle contraction, and nerve function.
Approximately 99% of the body’s calcium is stored in the bones and teeth, providing structural support and serving as a reservoir that can release calcium into the bloodstream when needed.
The remaining 1% of total body calcium is in the blood and soft tissues, where it is essential for critical bodily functions.

Explanation of Other Options:

99%

Rationale: This option is incorrect. While 99% of the body’s calcium is indeed stored in the bones and teeth, it is not present in the blood.

70%

Rationale: This option is incorrect. The percentage of calcium in the blood relative to the total body calcium content is much lower than 70%. Most calcium is stored in the bones.

5%

Rationale: This option is incorrect. Only a small fraction, specifically around 1%, of the total calcium content in the body is found in the blood and soft tissues.

Additional Information:

Calcium in the blood exists in three forms: ionized calcium (which is the most biologically active form), bound to proteins (mainly albumin), and complexed with anions.
The regulation of calcium levels in the blood is maintained by hormones, primarily parathyroid hormone (PTH), calcitonin, and vitamin D, which facilitate the release of calcium from bones, absorption from the digestive tract, and reabsorption from the kidneys.
Maintaining appropriate calcium levels is crucial for preventing disorders such as hypocalcemia (low blood calcium levels) and hypercalcemia (high blood calcium levels), which can lead to various health complications.