- Bone formation and metabolism:
- Contributes to strength and structure
- Role as a strong cation in acid-base balance
- Coagulation of blood (cofactor in coagulation pathway)
- Cellular functions:
- Excitation–contraction coupling in cardiac, skeletal and smooth muscle
- Cardiac action potentials and pacemaker activity
- Regulation of cell growth and apoptosis
- Cofactor for many enzymes (e.g. lipase) and proteins
- Membrane integrity & permeability
- Ciliary motility
- Cellular communication:
- Intracellular secondary messenger systems
- Secretory processes:
- Release of neurotransmitters
- Hormone release
- Catecholamine responsiveness
