Webster's New World Medical Dictionary

calcaneocuboid joint
The joint located in the
foot between the calcaneus bone and the cuboid
bone. It is a gliding type of joint. The ligaments that
serve to support and strengthen this joint are called
the capsular, dorsal calcaneocuboid, bifurcated,
long plantar, and plantar calcaneocuboid ligaments.
calcaneus
The heel bone, a more or less rectan-
gular bone at the back of the foot. Also known as os
calcis.
calcific bursitis
Chronic inflammation of a
bursa (bursitis) that leads to calcium deposits in the
bursa. The calcification can occur as long as the
inflammation is present. See also 
bursa; bursitis.
calcification
The process of suffusing tissues
with calcium salts.
calcified granuloma
A node-like type of tissue
inflammation that has a specific appearance under
a microscope (granuloma) and contains calcium
deposits. Because it usually takes some time for cal-
cium to be deposited in a granuloma, it is generally
assumed that a calcified granuloma is an old granu-
loma, or an old area of inflammation. For example,
a calcified granuloma in the lung may be due to
tuberculosis contracted years earlier that is now
inactive and dormant.
calcinosis
An abnormal deposit of calcium salts
in body tissues. Examples include the calcifications
in the skin from scleroderma and in the muscle
from polymyositis.
calcitonin
A hormone produced by the thyroid
gland that lowers the levels of calcium and phos-
phate in the blood and promotes the formation of
bone. Bone is in a constant state of remodeling. Old
bone is removed by cells called osteoclasts, and new
bone is added by cells called osteoblasts. Calcitonin
inhibits bone removal by the osteoclasts and at the
same time promotes bone formation by the
osteoblasts. Calcitonin is given in hypercalcemia
(high blood calcium) to lower the calcium level; in
osteoporosis to increase bone density and decrease
the risk of a fracture; and in Paget disease to
decrease bone turnover and bone pain. Also known
as thyrocalcitonin.
calcium
A mineral found mainly in the hard part
of bones, where it is stored. Calcium is added to
bone by cells called osteoblasts and removed from
bone by cells called osteoclasts. Calcium is essential
for healthy bones and is also important for muscle
contraction, heart action, and normal blood clot-
ting. Food sources of calcium include dairy foods;
some leafy green vegetables, such as broccoli and
collards; canned salmon; clams; oysters; calcium-
fortified foods; and soy foods, such as tofu.
According to the National Academy of Sciences, ade-
quate intake of calcium is 1 gram daily for both men
and women. The upper limit for calcium intake is
2.5 grams daily.