Physiology · Endocrine System · Medium
Calcitriol
Meaning: The active form of vitamin D, made in the kidney, that increases absorption of dietary minerals needed for bone.
In practice: Patients with kidney failure cannot make enough calcitriol and develop bone disease.
Quick check
Two questions on related physiology words.
Which word means: A lipid signalling molecule made from arachidonic acid that mediates inflammation, pain, fever and gut protection.
Answer: Prostaglandin
Which word means: The breakdown of glucose to produce energy in the cytoplasm.
Answer: Glycolysis
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