Which endocrine gland is primarily responsible for maintaining blood calcium homeostasis?
Solution
Correct Answer: Option A
- The endocrine gland primarily responsible for maintaining blood calcium homeostasis is the Parathyroid gland.
- This small gland, typically located behind the thyroid gland, secretes parathyroid hormone (PTH), which plays a crucial role in regulating calcium levels in the blood.
- PTH increases blood calcium by stimulating bone resorption, which releases calcium into the bloodstream.
- It also enhances calcium reabsorption in the kidneys and promotes the activation of vitamin D in the kidneys, which increases calcium absorption from the intestines.
- Together, these actions work to maintain optimal blood calcium levels, which are vital for many physiological processes, including nerve conduction, muscle contraction, and blood clotting.
- While the thyroid gland produces calcitonin, which lowers blood calcium levels, it is not the primary regulator of calcium homeostasis.
- The adrenal gland and pituitary gland have other endocrine functions unrelated directly to calcium regulation.
Reference: Ganong's Review of Medical Physiology, 26th Edition, Chapter 17: Calcium and Phosphate Metabolism
- This small gland, typically located behind the thyroid gland, secretes parathyroid hormone (PTH), which plays a crucial role in regulating calcium levels in the blood.
- PTH increases blood calcium by stimulating bone resorption, which releases calcium into the bloodstream.
- It also enhances calcium reabsorption in the kidneys and promotes the activation of vitamin D in the kidneys, which increases calcium absorption from the intestines.
- Together, these actions work to maintain optimal blood calcium levels, which are vital for many physiological processes, including nerve conduction, muscle contraction, and blood clotting.
- While the thyroid gland produces calcitonin, which lowers blood calcium levels, it is not the primary regulator of calcium homeostasis.
- The adrenal gland and pituitary gland have other endocrine functions unrelated directly to calcium regulation.
Reference: Ganong's Review of Medical Physiology, 26th Edition, Chapter 17: Calcium and Phosphate Metabolism
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