Q.37 - Biology

Question

What effect will low blood calcium have on neurons? What effect will low blood calcium have on skeletal muscles? 

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

Neurons will not be able to release neurotransmitter without calcium. Skeletal muscles have calcium stored and don’t need any from the outside. 

Step 1. Introduction

• Neurons are information messengers. They use electrical impulses and chemical signals to transmit information between different areas of the brain, and between the brain and the rest of the nervous system.

• Skeletal muscles (commonly referred to as muscles) are organs of the vertebrate muscular system and typically are attached by tendons to bones of a skeleton.

Step 2. Explanation

• The effect of low blood calcium have on neurons are Low Calcium (Hypocalcemia) causes increased neuromuscular excitability by decreasing the threshold needed for the activation of neurons. As a result, neurons become unstable and fire spontaneous action potentials that trigger the involuntary contraction of the muscles.

• Skeletal muscles have calcium stored and don’t need any from the outside.