mészképzdés

Mészképzdés, also known as calcification, is a biological process where calcium salts, most commonly calcium carbonate or calcium phosphate, are deposited in tissues. This deposition can occur in various biological structures, contributing to their formation, hardening, or pathological changes. In healthy physiological processes, mészképzdés is crucial for forming and maintaining the structural integrity of bones and teeth, where hydroxyapatite, a form of calcium phosphate, is the primary mineral component.

Beyond skeletal formation, mészképzdés plays a role in the development of certain biological structures like the shells of mollusks and the exoskeletons of crustaceans, providing protection and support. However, mészképzdés can also be an abnormal or pathological process. Pathological calcification can occur in soft tissues, such as blood vessels, heart valves, and kidneys, where the accumulation of calcium salts can impair function and lead to disease. This can be a consequence of aging, chronic inflammation, metabolic disorders, or genetic predispositions. Identifying the cause and extent of pathological mészképzdés is important for diagnosis and management of associated medical conditions. The process can be influenced by local factors like pH, the presence of inhibitors and promoters of calcification, and the concentration of calcium and phosphate ions.