Help with Thyroid and Parathyroid Physiology - Anatomy

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Question

Which of the following glands would be most active in a person with low blood calcium levels?

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Answer

In accordance with negative feedback and homeostasis, low blood calcium levels will cause the body to release a hormone in order to raise calcium levels. Parathyroid hormone is a hormone that acts to raise blood calcium levels by stimulating osteoclast activity, releasing stored calcium from bone into the blood. The parathyroid gland would be most active during low blood calcium in order to initiate this effect.

The thyroid gland is involved in raising blood calcium levels (calcitonin) and mediating metabolism (T3 and T4). The pancreas moderates blood glucose levels (insulin and glucagon). The pituitary gland is associated with several processes, including stimulation of other endocrine glands, but is not linked to parathyroid activity. The thymus is located superior to the heart and is the location of maturation for T-lymphocytes; it also secretes certain hormones that affect immune system maintenance and development.

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