Skeletal System

We recently talked about how calcium homeostasis and the effect exercise has on the growth and maintenance of bones in the skeletal system. I wanted to share two articles reporting on current research related to both topics and use them to review some key concepts from class. 

Effect of exercise on bone growth
Think of the cells that will be activated to either build up bone (osteoblasts) or break down bone (osteoclasts).
When bones are subjected to stress, repeatedly jolted, those bones are going to increase in size because your bone cells (osteoblasts) will respond by depositing more calcium and collagen in the extracellular matrix, building bone mass. The Well Blog from the New York Times reported on research conducted by scientists at the University of Bristol that examined the benefits of high impact exercise on your bones, you can read more about it here if you are interested. 

Are Vitamin D supplements worth it? Probably not, according to recent research.
Calcium Homeostasis
After covering the integumentary and skeletal system, you should have a good idea of why Vitamin D3 is important in regulating calcium levels in the body. The Well Blog at the New York Times has reported that recent research has demonstrated that Vitamin D supplements (like vitamins) have little to no benefit or impact on bone health, click to check it out.

Brief review.
What is vitamin D3?

• Cholecalciferol. Think sunlight. Cholecalciferol is produced when the skin is exposed to sunlight and also can be obtained from your diet. Cholecalciferol is necessary for you kidney's to produce calcitriol. 
• No Cholecalciferol, no calcitriol