Search research articles

ABOUT JoVE

Overview Leadership Blog JoVE Help Center

AUTHORS

Publishing Process Editorial Board Scope & Policies Peer Review FAQ Submit

LIBRARIANS

Testimonials Subscriptions Access Resources Library Advisory Board FAQ

RESEARCH

JoVE Journal Methods Collections JoVE Encyclopedia of Experiments Archive

EDUCATION

JoVE Core JoVE Business JoVE Science Education JoVE Lab Manual Faculty Resource Center Faculty Site

Terms & Conditions of Use

Related Concept Videos

Skeleton and Calcium Homeostasis

Skeleton and Calcium Homeostasis

Calcium is not only the most abundant mineral in bone but also the most abundant mineral in the human body. Calcium ions are needed for bone mineralization, tooth health, heart rate regulation and strength of contraction, blood coagulation, the contraction of smooth and skeletal muscle cells, and the regulation of nerve impulse conduction. The average calcium level in the blood is about 10 mg/dL. When the body cannot maintain this level, a person will experience hypo or hypercalcemia.

Hormones and Bone Tissue

Hormones and Bone Tissue

The endocrine system produces and secretes hormones, which interact with the skeletal system. These hormones control bone growth, maintain bone once it is formed, and remodel it.
Hormones That Influence Osteoblasts and/or Maintain the Matrix
Several hormones are necessary for controlling bone growth and maintaining the bone matrix. The pituitary gland secretes growth hormone (GH), which, as its name implies, controls bone growth. This happens in several ways: first, it triggers chondrocyte...

The Parathyroid Glands

The Parathyroid Glands

The two pairs of parathyroid glands embedded within the posterior surface of the thyroid gland are restricted by a dense capsule around them. These glands comprise two distinct cell populations—parathyroid oxyphil and parathyroid principal cells- pivotal in calcium homeostasis.
Oxyphil cells, whose functions remain elusive, emerge during late puberty, adding a layer of complexity to the parathyroid gland's intricacies. In contrast, principal parathyroid cells undertake a vital role by producing...

Synthesis and Functions of Calcitonin

Synthesis and Functions of Calcitonin

Calcitonin, a vital polypeptide hormone, regulates calcium levels within body fluids. It is released by the parafollicular cells, also known as C cells, situated in the follicular epithelium of the thyroid gland. Calcitonin responds to fluctuations in blood calcium levels and the influence of gastrointestinal hormones like gastrin and cholecystokinin.
The exact mechanisms by which calcitonin operates in calcium homeostasis remain elusive, but its significance is evident in several vital...

Bone Remodeling

Bone Remodeling

Bone remodeling is a continuous and balanced process of bone resorption by osteoclasts and bone formation by osteoblasts. In adults, it helps maintain bone mass and calcium homeostasis. While mechanical stress can stimulate turnover as part of the normal maintenance and reparative process, several hormones also regulate bone remodeling.

Roles of Electrolytes: Calcium and Phosphate

Roles of Electrolytes: Calcium and Phosphate

Calcium and phosphate are essential electrolytes in the human body, with calcium being the most abundant mineral. Around 99% of the body's calcium is stored in the skeleton and teeth, forming a crystal lattice of mineral salts in combination with phosphates. Calcium plays crucial roles in various bodily functions such as blood clotting, neurotransmitter release, muscle tone maintenance, and nervous and muscle tissue excitability.
The calcium concentration in blood plasma is primarily regulated...

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by

Same author

A study of the microbiological assay of riboflavin.

Journal of the American Pharmaceutical Association. American Pharmaceutical Association·2010

Same author

Microbiological determination of free leucine, isoleucine, valine, and threonine in dog plasma.

The Journal of biological chemistry·2010

Same author

The microbiological determination of certain free amino acids in human and dog plasma.

The Journal of biological chemistry·2010

Same author

Free amino acids in cerebrospinal fluid.

Federation proceedings·2010

Same author

Influence of ingestion of single amino acids on the blood level of free amino acids.

Federation proceedings·2010

Same author

Reduction of iron by foods in artificial gastric digestion.

The Journal of biological chemistry·2010

Search research articles

Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 19, 2026

Generation of Hypoparathyroid Rats via Carbon-Nanoparticle-Assisted Parathyroidectomy

Generation of Hypoparathyroid Rats via Carbon-Nanoparticle-Assisted Parathyroidectomy

Published on: July 14, 2023

CALCIUM METABOLISM AFTER THYRO-PARATHYROIDECTOMY.

O Bergeim¹, F T Stewart, P B Hawk

¹Laboratory of Physiological Chemistry of Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia.

The Journal of Experimental Medicine

|October 30, 2009

Summary

Following thyroid and parathyroid gland removal, a patient showed slight calcium retention and low urinary calcium. This suggests deficient calcium absorption, with the pituitary body potentially aiding compensatory mechanisms to prevent tetany.

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jun 19, 2026

Generation of Hypoparathyroid Rats via Carbon-Nanoparticle-Assisted Parathyroidectomy

Generation of Hypoparathyroid Rats via Carbon-Nanoparticle-Assisted Parathyroidectomy

Published on: July 14, 2023

Area of Science:

Endocrinology
Calcium Metabolism
Human Physiology

Background:

Thyroid and parathyroid glands play crucial roles in calcium homeostasis.
Parathyroidectomy can significantly impact calcium metabolism and lead to complications.
Understanding post-surgical calcium dynamics is vital for patient management.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate calcium metabolism in a human subject after total thyroid and parathyroidectomy.
To assess calcium balance, urinary excretion, and blood calcium levels.
To explore potential mechanisms preventing tetany despite gland removal.

Main Methods:

Case study of a single male patient post-thyroid and parathyroid gland removal.
Monitoring of calcium intake and urinary calcium excretion over a ten-day period.
Analysis of blood calcium levels and clinical observation for tetany symptoms.

Main Results:

A slight positive calcium balance was observed, with calcium retention of 0.4578 g CaO over ten days.
Low average daily urinary calcium excretion (0.0134 g CaO) was noted, despite high calcium intake (1.6736 g CaO/day).
A slight increase in blood calcium levels and absence of tetany symptoms were recorded.

Conclusions:

Low urinary calcium and blood calcium suggest impaired calcium absorption post-parathyroidectomy.
High calcium intake and potential pituitary body involvement may explain the absence of tetany.
Decreased gastric secretion following parathyroidectomy might be linked to altered calcium absorption.