mineralization

Examples of mineralization in the following topics:

• Postnatal Bone Growth

  • Osteoblasts are also responsible for the mineralization of this matrix.
  • Minerals required for mineralization and related processes include zinc, copper, and sodium.
  • Osteoblasts produce bone matrix and mineral, and osteoclasts break down the tissue.
  • Minerals are deposited in the matrix between the columns of lacunae, but are not the permanent bone mineral deposits.

• Dental Caries

  • The mineral content of teeth is sensitive to increases in acidity from the production of lactic acid.
  • Ninety-six percent of tooth enamel is composed of minerals.
  • These minerals, especially hydroxyapatite, will become soluble when exposed to acidic environments.
  • Dentin and cementum are more susceptible to caries than enamel because they have lower mineral content.
  • If left in contact with the tooth, these acids may cause demineralization, which is the dissolution of its mineral content.

• Aging and the Skeleton

  • In osteoporosis, bone mineral density (BMD) is reduced and the integrity of bone proteins is altered, increasing the risk of fracture.
  • In osteoporosis, the bone mineral density (BMD) is reduced, bone microarchitecture deteriorates, and the amount and variety of proteins in bone is altered.

• Overview of the Musculoskeletal System

  • The importance of this storage is to help regulate mineral balance in the bloodstream.
  • When the fluctuation of minerals is high, these minerals are stored in bone; when it is low, minerals are withdrawn from the bone.

• Renal Calculi

  • Renal calculi are kidney stones, or crystal aggregates of minerals which would normally be excreted in urine.
  • A kidney stone, also known as a renal calculus (from the Latin ren, "kidney," and calculus, "pebble"), is a solid concretion or crystal aggregation formed in the kidneys from dietary minerals in the urine.

• Osteoporosis

  • Osteoporosis, the result of reduced bone mineral density, can lead to an increased risk for fractures.
  • In osteoporosis, the bone mineral density (BMD) is reduced, bone microarchitecture deteriorates, and the amount and variety of proteins in bone is altered.

• Bone Repair

  • The lamellar bone begins forming soon after the collagen matrix of either tissue becomes mineralized.
  • At this point, the mineralized matrix is penetrated by channels, each containing a microvessel and numerous osteoblasts.
  • The osteoblasts form new lamellar bone upon the recently exposed surface of the mineralized matrix.

• Bone and Calcium Homeostasis

  • Supplementation with vitamin D and calcium slightly improves bone mineral density.
  • As bone formation actively fixes circulating calcium in its mineral form by removing it from the bloodstream, resorption actively unfixes it, thereby increasing circulating calcium levels.

• Dietary Fiber

  • Fiber does not bind to minerals and vitamins, so it does not restrict their absorption.
  • Evidence exists that fermentable fiber sources improve absorption of minerals, especially calcium.
  • Some plant foods can reduce the absorption of minerals and vitamins like calcium, zinc, vitamin C, and magnesium, but this is caused by the presence of phytate (which is also thought to have important health benefits), not by fiber.

• Osteomalacia and Rickets

  • Osteomalacia (in adults) and rickets (in infants and children) are bone mineralization disorders caused by vitamin D deprivation.
  • Osteomalacia is the softening of the bones caused by defective bone mineralization secondary to inadequate amounts of available phosphorus and calcium, or because of overactive resorption of calcium from the bone as a result of hyperparathyroidism (which causes hypercalcemia, in contrast to other aetiologies).
  • Radiograph of a two-year old rickets sufferer, with a marked genu varum (bowing of the femurs) and decreased bone opacity, suggesting poor bone mineralization.