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phosphate (fos´fāt)   any salt or ester of phosphoric acid; phosphates are widely distributed in the body, the largest amounts being in bones and teeth. They are continually excreted in the urine and feces and must be replaced in the diet. Inorganic phosphates function as buffer salts to maintain the acid-base balance in blood, saliva, urine, and other body fluids. Organic phosphates such as adenosine triphosphate (ATP) take part in a series of reactions that furnish the energy needed for muscle contraction. adj., phosphat´ic., adj.




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