Calcification

The diffuse infiltration of a tissue with calcium occurs normally in the process of healing of a fractured bone.

A process of hardening caused by the formation of deposits of calcium salts.

Process by which organic tissue becomes hardened by a deposit of calcium salts.

Deposition of calcium as a salt of phosphate in the ground substance of bone.

Formation of bone through deposits of calcium, which show up on X-rays, including the skeletal surveys often done in cases of possible child abuse and neglect. The amount of calcium deposited shows how well a newly broken bone is healing and also marks the location of old healed fractures.

Hardening of tissue resulting from the formation of calcium salts within it; the abnormal hardening (calcinosis) leads to impaired organ function (e.g., in the kidneys or arteries). The process can result from a disturbance in the normal balance of hormones, vitamin D, and calcium and other minerals in the body.

The buildup of calcium salts that occurs normally in bone development. Calcification may also refer to the accumulation of calcium salts and calcium deposits in tissues that normally do not have a buildup of calcium. For example, in a person with persistent bursitis, a calcium deposit may affect the shoulder, elbow, hip, or knee area, causing pain and inflammation. Calcification or accumulation of calcium in blood vessels can occur with atherosclerosis.

Calcification of the skin and other soft tissues, which particularly affects the skin of the hands. Calcinosis is characterized by swollen hands, pinpricks of red coloration on the skin of the hands, thickened nails, and sores on the fingers. Calcinosis is one of five elements in a form of scleroderma called crest syndrome. The “C” in the acronym CREST stands for calcinosis.

The deposition of calcium salts in tissue. This occurs as part of the normal process of bone formation.

The deposition of calcium salts in body tissues, normally bones and teeth, though abnormal deposits can occur in damaged muscles or the walls of arteries.

The process in which organic tissue becomes hardened by the deposition of calcium salts in the tissues.

The process of becoming hardened or stiffened as a result of the accumulation of calcium.

Calcification refers to the accumulation of calcium salts in various tissues of the body. This process is a natural component of bone and teeth development, as well as the mending of fractures. However, calcification can also occur in injured muscles, arteries affected by atherosclerosis, and when there are abnormalities in the parathyroid glands leading to elevated blood calcium levels. Understanding the occurrence of calcification in these different contexts aids in comprehending its role in normal physiological processes as well as its implications in certain pathological conditions.