Physiology of Bone and Mineral Metabolism
Start with the big picture
Bone contains most of the body’s calcium and phosphate, and remodeling continuously balances osteoclast-mediated resorption with osteoblast-mediated formation. The lesson outlines regulation of ionized calcium and the coordinated roles of PTH, calcitriol, calcitonin, FGF23, and the calcium-sensing receptor. It also previews renal control of phosphate and calcitriol production, acid–base effects on calcium, and how sex steroids, glucocorticoids, thyroid hormone, and the growth hormone–IGF-1 axis influence bone. Together, these mechanisms connect mineral balance to skeletal remodeling and help explain why disruption can contribute to bone disease.
What you'll learn
- Describe bone’s role as a reservoir for calcium and phosphate.
- Explain how osteoclast resorption and osteoblast formation are coupled.
- Summarize the roles of PTH, calcitriol, calcitonin, and FGF23 in mineral regulation.
- Identify renal, acid–base, and hormonal influences on calcium and phosphate balance.
Continue your study
Work through the complete notes and reinforce the topic with the study tools available in the full lesson.
