Quick Answer. Calcium is a crucial part of muscle contraction. The ionic element is released from muscles during contraction and relaxation. The release of calcium helps propagate the muscle contraction and relaxation stages.
dry skin. Also found in: Dictionary, Thesaurus, Wikipedia. Related to dry skin: eczema. dry skin. epidermis that lacks moisture or sebum, often characterized by a pattern of fine lines, scaling, and itching. Causes include too frequent bathing, low humidity, and decreased production of sebum in aging skin. Treatment includes decreased frequency of bathing, increased humidity, bath oils, emollients such as lanolin and glycerin, and hydrophilic ointments. Also called xerosis [zÄrÅâ²sis] .
Epidermis. The outer layer of skin, consisting of a layer of dead cells that perform a protective function and a second layer of dividing cells. Mentioned in: Burns, Epidermolysis Bullosa, Malignant Melanoma, Skin Grafting, Staphylococcal Scalded Skin Syndrome, Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis, Warts.