Question

Calcium is stored in and provides structure to bones, but calcium has other important roles as well. Select the statement below that correctly describes a function of calcium in the body or a condition associated with calcium.a. Calcium is an electrolyte that assists in the transmission of nerve impulses.b. Calcium assists in nerve function by causing nerve cells to contract as calcium enters the cell.c. Calcium helps the body build new muscle cells.d. Calcium found in the blood helps maintain acid­base balance by keeping the blood slightly acidic.

Answer 1

Answer:

a. Calcium is an electrolyte that assists in the transmission of nerve impulses.

Explanation:

In the process of muscle contraction, the action potential (electrical impulse) releases the calcium stored in the sarcoplasmic reticulum located in the muscle.

Calcium then flows into the cytoplasm, where the actin and myosin filaments are located, which will interact with each other to promote muscle contraction.

Thus, it can be concluded that calcium does play an important role in nerve impulse transmission.

Given the above statements, it is concluded that the correct alternative is "A" .

As for the other statements: Calcium, as described above, also participates in the process of muscle contraction, however it is the muscle cells that contract, not the nerve cells (Statement B).

In addition, calcium does not participate in the formation of muscle cells (Statement C), nor can it make the blood slightly acidic (Statement D) because it has alkaline (basic) character.