MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Calcification

Skip navigation


Medical Encyclopedia
Other encyclopedia topics:	A-Ag Ah-Ap Aq-Az B-Bk Bl-Bz C-Cg Ch-Co Cp-Cz D-Di Dj-Dz E-Ep Eq-Ez F G H-Hf Hg-Hz I-In Io-Iz J K L-Ln Lo-Lz M-Mf Mg-Mz N O P-Pl Pm-Pz Q R S-Sh Si-Sp Sq-Sz T-Tn To-Tz U V W X Y Z 0-9

Calcification

Contents of this page:
Illustrations Definition	Information

Illustrations

Cranial calcification

Definition Return to top

Calcification is a process in which a mineral called calcium builds up in body tissue, causing the tissue to harden. This can be a normal or abnormal process.

Information Return to top

Ninety-nine percent (99%) of calcium entering the body is deposited in bones and teeth. The remaining 1% of calcium is dissolved in the blood.

When a disorder affects the balance between calcium and other minerals or chemicals in the body, calcium can be deposited in other parts of the body, such as arteries, kidneys, lungs, and brain. Calcium deposits in these parts of the body can cause problems with how these blood vessels and organs work. Calcifications can usually be seen on x-ray films.

See also: Mineral metabolism disorders

Update Date: 7/21/2006

Updated by: Benjamin W. Van Voorhees, MD, MPH, Assistant Professor of Medicine and Pediatrics, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 1997-2008, A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.