Page 81 - The Miracle of Hormones

The Sensitive Calcium-Meters

from blood loss from to a small wound or even a scratch. Calcium also
plays an important role in the transmission of nerve impulses. If nerve
impulse transmissions were severed, death would result. Calcium also
ensures that the muscles function and that the bones are healthy. The
body of an adult person contains up to two kilograms of calcium, and of
this, ninety-nine per cent is stored in the bones. The remainder is used in
functions relative to body metabolism. Approximately 0.5 grams of calci-
um in the blood is sufficient for bodily functions. 18
As we said before, in 100 milliliters of blood, there is 10 milligrams
of calcium—the equivalent of 0.1 gram in a liter. If the proportion falls
from 10 mg. to 6-7 mg. (the total amount of calcium in the blood falls by
0.2 grams), tetany occurs, characterized by symptoms of painful muscle
contractions and convulsions. These contractions happen first in the
heart muscles and the muscles of the respiratory tract. The irregular con-
traction of these muscles makes the heart beat erratic and inhibits the
respiratory function. Without treatment, the patient's heart will stop (or
he will not be able to breathe). In either case, death results. As we can see,
in order for such vital functions as heart beat and respiration to occur,
only half a gram of calcium is needed.
If the amount of calcium in the blood increases to 12 mg. in 100 ml.
(that is, if the total amount of calcium in the blood increases by one tenth
of a gram), kidney stones could develop, the activity of the nervous sys-
tem reflex could slow down, and the muscles could atrophy and (as a re-
sult) lose their strength. When the amount of calcium rises to 17 mg. per
100 ml. of blood, calcium phosphate spreads to every part of the body
19
and poisons it. The fact that the human body is so dependent on a sub-
stance (and that this substance is used in several of this body's functions)
demonstrates two important points: that human beings are created
according to a wonderful plan, and that they are totally dependent on
God Who created them.
After we have seen the importance of the amount of calcium in the
blood, this question inevitably comes to mind: what is the mechanism
that determines this amount that is so vital for life? The answer to this

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