Biochemistry: Electrolytes and Trace Elements Disorder

Questions and Answers

What is the effect of severe hyperthyroidism on bone tissue?

Increasing formation of bone tissue

Decreasing formation and resorption of bone tissue

Increasing resorption of bone tissue (correct)

No effect on bone tissue

What is the primary function of magnesium in the body?

Regulation of calcium levels

Regulation of blood pressure

Formation of bone and teeth (correct)

Metabolism of potassium

What is the most common cause of hypermagnesemia?

Kidney failure (correct)

Magnesium-rich diet

Hypocalcemia

Vitamin D deficiency

What is the effect of hypomagnesemia on the body?

Impaired nerve and muscle function Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary source of magnesium in the body?

Bone Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of severe hypocalcemia on the nervous system?

Muscle cramps Signup and view all the answers

What is the treatment for hypocalcemia?

Calcium and vitamin D supplements Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary trigger for Paget disease?

Hyperparathyroidism Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of daily fluoride intake is excreted through urine?

50% Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of fluoroapatite in bones and teeth?

To provide protection against dental caries and acid attacks Signup and view all the answers

What is a common symptom of fluoride deficiency?

Dental caries Signup and view all the answers

Which enzyme is inhibited by excessive amounts of fluoride?

Enolase of glycolysis Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of zinc in wound healing?

To facilitate the biosynthesis of connective tissue Signup and view all the answers

What is a common manifestation of zinc deficiency?

Hair loss Signup and view all the answers

What is Acrodermatitis enteropathica?

A rare inherited disorder of zinc absorption Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a function of zinc in the body?

To facilitate the secretion and storage of insulin Signup and view all the answers

What are the common sources of iron in the diet?

Meat, liver, eggs, spinach and fruits Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of gastric HCl in iron absorption?

It reduces ferric iron to ferrous iron, facilitating absorption. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary form of iron transport in the plasma?

Transferrin Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following conditions is characterized by an increase in iron stores without associated tissue injury?

Hemosiderosis Signup and view all the answers

What is the main function of copper in relation to iron?

Copper is involved in iron absorption. Signup and view all the answers

What are the potential consequences of iron overload in the pancreas?

Fibrotic damage leading to diabetes mellitus Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a factor that can lead to increased magnesium excretion?

Increased intake of magnesium-rich foods Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of iron in the body?

Oxygen transport Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of sodium in the body?

It maintains osmotic pressure and water balance. Signup and view all the answers

Which condition can lead to hypernatremia?

Dehydration due to inadequate water intake. Signup and view all the answers

How is sodium excretion primarily regulated in the body?

Through aldosterone secretion. Signup and view all the answers

What happens to sodium levels in the blood during dehydration?

They typically increase. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following conditions is NOT likely to cause increased sodium loss in urine?

High dietary sodium intake. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following foods is a significant dietary source of sodium?

Table salt (NaCl) Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of sodium on muscle and nerve function?

It maintains muscle and nerve irritability at proper levels. Signup and view all the answers

Inadequate secretion of which hormone can lead to conditions related to sodium imbalance?

Vasopressin Signup and view all the answers

What can a low potassium level lead to in muscle function?

Twitching or cramping of muscles Signup and view all the answers

What is the main role of ionized calcium in the body?

Directly affects the body's functions Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a symptom of hypercalcemia?

Poor appetite and nausea Signup and view all the answers

What causes hypercalcemia related to hyperparathyroidism?

Secretion of high parathyroid hormone levels Signup and view all the answers

How much of the body's calcium is stored in the bones?

About 99% Signup and view all the answers

What condition may arise from excessive laxative use that affects potassium levels?

Hypokalemia Signup and view all the answers

Which factor can lead to the release of calcium into the blood and potentially result in hypercalcemia?

Bone destruction and resorption Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of the calcium in the blood is bound to albumin protein?

40% Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Electrolytes and Trace Elements Disorder

Sodium (Na+)

Sodium is the major cation of extracellular fluids
Dietary sources: table salt (NaCl), salty foods, animal foods, milk, and some vegetables
Metabolic functions:
- Maintains osmotic pressure and water balance
- Involved in acid-base balance maintenance
- Maintains muscle and nerve irritability at the proper level
- Required for intestinal absorption of glucose, galactose, and amino acids
Sodium depletion:
- Excretion regulated by aldosterone
- Increased sodium loss in urine can occur in diseases (e.g., diabetes mellitus, Addison's disease) or with excessive diuretic drug use
Imbalance in sodium concentration:
- Hypernatremia (too high): dehydration, kidney disorders, diabetes insipidus
- Hyponatremia (too low): muscle weakness, cramps, twitching, or paralysis, abnormal heart rhythms

Calcium (Ca2+)

Most abundant mineral in the body
Functions:
- Formation of bone and teeth
- Muscle contraction
- Normal functioning of many enzymes
- Blood clotting
- Normal heart rhythm
Hypercalcemia (too high):
- Symptoms: digestive problems, poor appetite, constipation, thirst, confusion
- Causes: hyperparathyroidism, high calcium intake, vitamin D excess, cancer, bone disorders, severe hyperthyroidism
Hypocalcemia (too low):
- Symptoms: muscle cramps, confusion, depression, tingling in lips, fingers, and feet
- Causes: parathyroid gland problems, diet, kidney disorders, certain drugs

Magnesium (Mg2+)

Functions:
- Formation of bone and teeth
- Normal nerve and muscle function
- Co-enzyme
- Metabolism of calcium and potassium
Hypermagnesemia (too high):
- Causes: kidney failure, magnesium salts or medication use
- Symptoms: muscle weakness, low blood pressure, impaired breathing, heart stoppage
Hypomagnesemia (too low):
- Causes: diet, intestinal malabsorption, kidney or intestinal excretion, high levels of aldosterone, vasopressin, or thyroid hormones, certain drugs, breastfeeding
- Symptoms: muscle weakness, heart rhythm problems, hypocalcemia

Iron (Fe)

Functions:
- Transport of oxygen to tissues (through hemoglobin)
- Oxidation-reduction reactions (cytochrome system)
Sources: meat, liver, eggs, spinach, fruits
Absorption: ferrous form in duodenum and stomach
Transport and storage: ferric form bound to transferrin in plasma, stored as ferritin in mucosal cells
Iron overload:
- Hemosiderosis: increased iron stores without tissue injury
- Hemochromatosis: excessive iron deposits in tissues, leading to tissue injury and organ damage

Copper (Cu)

Functions:
- Iron absorption
- Role in connective tissue formation
Deficiency symptoms: anemia, osteoporosis, neurological disorders

Fluoride (F-)

Functions:
- Formation of bone and teeth
- Provides protection against dental caries and osteoporosis
Deficiency symptoms: dental caries, osteoporosis
Toxicity: dental fluorosis (mottled teeth)

Zinc (Zn)

Functions:
- Constituent of many enzymes (e.g., carbonic anhydrase, alkaline phosphatase, DNA and RNA polymerases)
- Necessary for cell growth and division
- Important for wound healing and connective tissue integrity
- Required for insulin secretion and storage
Deficiency symptoms:
- Growth failure
- Hair loss
- Anemia
- Loss of taste sensation
- Impaired spermatogenesis
- Neuropsychiatric symptoms
Acrodermatitis enteropathica: a rare inherited disorder of zinc metabolism

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Description

This quiz covers the importance of electrolytes in the human body, their functions, and disorders related to trace elements. Learn about the role of electrolytes in regulating water balance and acidity in the body.