What mineral is primarily stored in bones?

Calcium is primarily stored in bones and serves several critical functions in the body. As the most abundant mineral in the human body, about 99% of the body's total calcium is found in the bones and teeth, where it contributes to their structure and strength. This mineral plays a vital role in various physiological processes beyond providing rigidity to the skeletal system. It is essential for muscle contraction, nerve transmission, and blood coagulation.

The body regulates calcium levels tightly; when calcium levels in the blood drop, parathyroid hormone is released, which stimulates the release of calcium from the bones into the bloodstream. Conversely, when there is excess calcium, it can be deposited back into the bones. This dynamic balance highlights the importance of calcium as a mineral that not only constructs the bone matrix but also participates in numerous metabolic functions.