Blackhead Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Blackhead - Essay Example Two of such conditions are mentioned below; tetany and diabetes. Tetany: Calcium ion, Ca+2, is an essential ion in the proper functioning of all cells in the body. Hence, its maintenance in the blood within a narrow range is very important, as both its excess and deficiency can have very unpleasant effects. Normally, it is kept at a concentration of around 10mg/100ml. This is achieved by the antagonistic effect of two hormones; calcitonin and parathyroid hormone (PTH). Calcitonin is released by the thyroid gland in cases of excess calcium ion concentration in the blood, and so it reduces the concentration by causing increased calcium deposition in the bones, and reducing uptake of the ion by the intestines and the kidneys. On the other hand, parathyroid hormone (PTH) is released by the parathyroid glands in cases of a lowering of blood calcium levels from the normal, and so it induces an increased absorption of the ion by the intestines and the kidneys, and an increased decomposition of mineral calcium into the calcium ion by osteoclasts in the b ones, thereby increasing the concentration in the blood and returning it to normal. However, in the condition known as tetany, there is a dramatic decrease in the blood calcium levels, resulting in uncontrolled convulsive contractions of the skeletal muscles. If worsened, tetany can be fatal. Hence, the homeostatic control of calcium levels in the blood is compromised, resulting in dire effects on the body. Diabetes: the blood glucose levels are maintained around a narrow set point of 90mg/100ml. Glucose levels are monitored and controlled with the antagonistic functioning of two hormones, both released by the pancreas; insulin and glucagon. Insulin lowers the blood glucose level by inducing an increased uptake of glucose by the cells, and its conversion to glycogen to be stored in the liver and muscles, a decrease in the conversion of amino acids and fatty acids to glucose, and inhibiting glycogen breakdown in the liver. Glucagon, on the other hand, reduces blood glucose levels by decreasing an uptake of glucose by the cells, so that more glucose is present in the blood, an increase in the breakdown of glycogen to glucose in the liver, and an increased conversion of amino acids and fatty acids into glucose. However, in the condition called diabetes, be it Type1 or Type2, there is a drastic increase in the blood glucose levels, either due to insufficient insulin production by the pancre as (Type1), or a decrease in the response of the target cells to insulin (Type2). Glucose concentration if increased so much that it is secreted by the kidneys in urine, and as excess urine is formed, this leads to dehydration and glucose accumulation in the blood. However, this glucose can not be utilized by the cells for metabolism due