What is the normal range for serum calcium levels?

The normal range for serum calcium levels is indeed between 8.5 to 10.5 mg/dL. This range is crucial for various physiological processes in the body, including muscle contraction, nerve function, and blood coagulation.

Within this range, calcium serves multiple roles, such as helping to stabilize cellular membranes and acting as a second messenger in various cellular signaling pathways. Maintaining serum calcium in this narrow range is essential for overall health, as both hypercalcemia (elevated calcium) and hypocalcemia (low calcium) can lead to significant clinical issues, such as arrhythmias or muscle spasms.

The other ranges provided in the options either fall below or exceed the recognized normal limits for serum calcium, which could lead to misinterpretation and potential clinical implications if considered normal. Understanding the standard values for serum calcium is vital for effective diagnosis and management in clinical practice.