CALCIUM, Ca

THE ANATOMY DEPARTMENT, TCD

Calcium is the most abundant metal in the human body. It is needed for everything from brain activity to muscle contraction, and 99% of the body’s calcium – about one kilogramme – is stored in bone. Bones give the body structure and protection, and calcium is essential for their strength. We obtain this calcium mainly from vegetables and dairy products and, in turn, their calcium comes from mineral sources based ultimately on the remains of shelly sea creatures. In its free form, calcium is a soft, and very reactive metal and is therefore rarely found free in nature. The piece of calcium shown here is preserved in oil, preventing it from reacting with gases in the atmosphere.

ABOUT THE ARTIST

HUMAN TARSUS, THE ANATOMY DEPARTMENT, TRINITY COLLEGE DUBLIN, IE