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calcification
(kal″sĭ-fĭ-ka´shәn)
the deposit of calcium salts, mostly calcium phosphate, in body tissues. The normal absorption of calcium is facilitated by parathyroid hormone and vitamin D. When there are increased amounts of parathyroid hormone in the blood (as in hyperparathyroidism), there is deposition of calcium in the alveoli of the lungs, the renal tubules, the thyroid gland, the gastric mucosa, and
the arterial walls. Normally calcium is deposited in the bone matrix to insure stability and strength of the bone and in growing
teeth.
dystrophic calcification
the deposition of calcium in abnormal tissue, such as scar tissue or atherosclerotic plaques, without abnormalities of blood
calcium. See also calcinosis.
eggshell calcification
deposition of a thin layer of calcium around a thoracic lymph node, often seen in silicosis.

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