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Multiple Choice

Which glands secrete parathyroid hormone (PTH) that works with calcitonin to regulate calcium levels in the blood?

Calcium balance in the blood is controlled by hormones that have opposite effects. The parathyroid glands secrete parathyroid hormone (PTH) in response to low calcium. PTH raises blood calcium by several means: it stimulates bone to release calcium through osteoclast activity, increases calcium reabsorption in the kidneys, and promotes activation of vitamin D in the kidneys so that more calcium is absorbed from the gut. This works in concert with calcitonin, which is produced by the thyroid gland and lowers blood calcium when it’s high, mainly by inhibiting bone resorption. So, the glands that secrete PTH are the parathyroid glands. The thyroid gland makes calcitonin, and the pancreas and adrenal glands do not regulate calcium in this opposing, homeostatic way.

Calcium balance in the blood is controlled by hormones that have opposite effects. The parathyroid glands secrete parathyroid hormone (PTH) in response to low calcium. PTH raises blood calcium by several means: it stimulates bone to release calcium through osteoclast activity, increases calcium reabsorption in the kidneys, and promotes activation of vitamin D in the kidneys so that more calcium is absorbed from the gut. This works in concert with calcitonin, which is produced by the thyroid gland and lowers blood calcium when it’s high, mainly by inhibiting bone resorption.

So, the glands that secrete PTH are the parathyroid glands. The thyroid gland makes calcitonin, and the pancreas and adrenal glands do not regulate calcium in this opposing, homeostatic way.