OSMT (Ontario Society of Medical Technologists) Practice Exam

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What mineral is essential for chemical clotting?

Iron
Calcium
Sodium
Potassium

The correct answer is: Calcium

Calcium is crucial for the chemical process of clotting in the body. It plays a significant role in various steps of the coagulation cascade, which leads to the formation of a blood clot. When blood vessels are injured, calcium ions are necessary for the activation of several clotting factors, ultimately resulting in the conversion of fibrinogen to fibrin, a key component of a stable blood clot. While other minerals like iron, sodium, and potassium are important for various physiological functions, they do not directly participate in the clotting process. Iron is primarily associated with oxygen transport via hemoglobin, sodium is essential for maintaining fluid balance and proper cellular function, and potassium is vital for nerve function and muscle contractions. Thus, calcium stands out as the essential mineral specifically involved in the complex series of reactions that facilitate blood coagulation.