Which of the following substances is a component of Bone and Teeth?

Appeared in: UP CHO - 2018

Explanation

The primary inorganic component of bone and teeth is calcium phosphate.
This mineral is organized into a specific crystalline structure called hydroxyapatite, with the chemical formula Ca₁₀(PO₄)₆(OH)₂.
Approximately 80% of the body's phosphate is found in combination with calcium in the bones and teeth, providing them with hardness and rigidity.
Enamel, the outermost layer of teeth, is the most mineralized substance in the body, consisting of about 96% hydroxyapatite.

Option A: Calcium carbonate is only a minor mineral component of bone and teeth, not the primary one.
Option C: Calcium sulphate (gypsum or plaster of Paris) is not a natural structural component of bone or teeth.
Option D: Calcium nitrate is not a biological component of bone or teeth.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Mineral Composition of Bone and Teeth as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Understanding the composition of bone is fundamental to managing metabolic bone diseases like osteoporosis, which is characterized by demineralization and loss of bone mass.
Nurses educate patients on the importance of adequate dietary intake of calcium and phosphate for maintaining bone density and preventing fractures.
What if? If a patient has chronic kidney disease, their ability to excrete phosphate is impaired, leading to hyperphosphatemia. This condition can paradoxically lead to bone demineralization as the body tries to balance calcium and phosphate levels, highlighting the delicate homeostasis required for bone health.

How to Approach the Question

This is a factual recall question that tests your knowledge of basic biochemistry and anatomy.
First, identify the key terms in the question: 'component,' 'bone,' and 'teeth.'
Recall the major mineral constituents of hard tissues in the body.
Evaluate each option. You should remember that bone is primarily a matrix of calcium and phosphate.
Select the option that represents the main inorganic substance. Calcium phosphate is the most accurate choice.
Eliminate the other options by recognizing they are either minor components (calcium carbonate) or not biologically incorporated into bone structure (calcium sulphate, calcium nitrate).

Concept Tested & Keywords

q5yBlKRNaXyygCMMVNZvH

E6 Biochemistry U Satyanarayana— Part 2 (pp 421-820 of 840) pp. 26-28, 41-43

E6 Pharmacology Katzung 16e p. 1230-1232

Practise the full UP CHO - 2018

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.