ABSTRACT
Calcium ions (Ca2+) are necessary for bone and teeth formation, normal skeletal and smooth muscle function, cellular division adhesion and growth, blood coagulation, and for the normal activity of many intracellular enzymes. Calcium is also important for maintaining the activity of excitable tissue (acting as a membrane ‘stabilizer’) and is involved in neuromuscular transmission, cellular hormone release (stimulussecretion coupling), and in the normal functioning of the heart.
