calcification

calcification /cal·ci·fi·ca·tion/ (kal?si-fi-ka´shun) the deposit of calcium salts in a tissue.

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dystrophic calcification  the deposition of calcium in abnormal tissue, such as scar tissue or atherosclerotic plaques, without abnormalities of blood calcium.

eggshell calcification  deposition of a thin layer of calcium around a thoracic lymph node, often seen in silicosis.

Mönckeberg's calcification  see under arteriosclerosis.

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cal·ci·fi·ca·tion (kls-f-kshn)

n.

1. Impregnation with calcium or calcium salts. Also called calcareous infiltration.

2. Hardening, as of tissue, by such impregnation.

3. A calcified substance or part.

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calcification (kal´sifikā´shn),

n the process whereby calcium salts are deposited in an organic matrix. The condition may be normal, as in bone and tooth formation, or pathologic.

n the pathologic deposition of calcium salts in necrotic or degenerated tissues.

calcification, ectopic oral,

n the displaced accumulation of hardened calcium salts in the oral cavity; stones found in pulp or saliva. See also salivary stone and denticle.

calcification, metastatic,

n the pathologic deposition of calcium salts in previously undamaged tissues. This process is caused by an excessively high level of blood calcium, such as in the hyperparathyroid.

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calcification

the deposit of calcium salts in a tissue. The normal absorption of calcium is facilitated by parathyroid hormone and by vitamin D. In poisoning with calcinogenic glycosides and when there are increased amounts of parathyroid hormone in the blood (as in hyperparathyroidism), there is deposition of calcium in the soft tissue. (In hyperparathyroidism secondary to renal disease there is deposition in the alveoli of the lungs, the renal tubules, beneath the parietal pleura, the gastric mucosa, and the arterial walls.) Normally calcium is deposited in the bone matrix to insure stability and strength of the bone. In osteomalacia there is an excess of unmineralized osteoid because the aged well-mineralized bone is replaced by a matrix that is inadequately mineralized.

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dystrophic calcification

the deposition of calcium in abnormal tissue without abnormalities of blood calcium.

metastatic calcification

deposition of calcium in tissues as a result of abnormalities of calcium and phosphorus levels in the blood and tissue fluids.

nutritional calcification

calcification in soft tissues as a result of an increased intake of calcium.

soft tissue calcification

see metastatic calcification (above), dystrophic calcification (above).