Calcium pump Calcium pump Calcium pumps are a family of ion transporters found in the cell membrane of all animal cells. They are responsible for the active transport of calcium out of the cell for the maintenance of the steep Ca electrochemical gradient across the cell membrane. Calcium pumps play a crucial role in proper cell signalling by keeping the intracellular calcium concentration roughly 10,000 times lower than the extracellular concentration. Failure to do so is one cause of muscle cramps. The plasma membrane Ca ATPase and the sodium-calcium exchanger are together the main regulators of intracellular Ca concentrations. Ca has many
Calcium cycle more calcium, further increasing blood calcium levels . This will continue until the body releases too much calcium into the bloodstream. Excess calcium then promotes the release of calcitonin from the thyroid gland, effectively reversing the process of PTH. Osteoclast activity is stopped and osteblasts take over, utilising the excess calcium in the bloodstream to form new bone. Calcium re-absorption in the kidney is prevented, allowing the excretion of excess calcium through the urine. . Through these hormonal mechanisms, calcium homeostasis is maintained within the body. Calcium is an essential component of soil. When deposited in the form of lime,