SIGNIFICANCE
OF PHOSPHORUS
Phosphorus is a critical constituent of all the body’s tissues. It is
essential to the function of muscle and red blood cells, the for-mation of
adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and 2,3-diphosphoglycerate, and the maintenance of
acid–base balance, as well as to the nervous system and the intermediary
metabolism of car-bohydrate, protein, and fat. The normal serum phosphorus
level is 2.5 to 4.5 mg/dL (0.8–1.5 mmol/L) and may be as high as 6 mg/dL (1.94
mmol/L) in infants and children. Serum phos-phorus levels are presumably
greater in children because of the high rate of skeletal growth. Phosphorus is
the primary anion of the ICF. About 85% of phosphorus is located in bones and
teeth, 14% in soft tissue, and less than 1% in the ECF. Phosphorus is critical
to nerve and muscle function and provides structural sup-port to bones and
teeth. Phosphorus levels decrease with age.
Related Topics
Privacy Policy, Terms and Conditions, DMCA Policy and Compliant
Copyright © 2018-2024 BrainKart.com; All Rights Reserved. Developed by Therithal info, Chennai.