Anatomy & Physiology Endocrine #16
Question
Which hormone does the thyroid gland secrete in response to changes in serum calcium levels?
Answers
- Oxytocin
Oxytocin plays a role in initiating contracts for childbirth and plays a role in human milk development for breastfeeding. This hormone is not secreted by the thyroid gland in response to serum calcium levels.
- Thyroxine
While thyroxine is a hormone secreted by the thyroid gland, it is not secreted in response to serum calcium levels.
- Calcitonin
Calcitonin is the hormone that is secreted by the thyroid gland to maintain serum calcium levels within the human body. Calcitonin helps to maintain the health of bones in the musculoskeletal system.
- Triiodothyronine
While triiodothyronine is a hormone secreted by the thyroid gland, it is not secreted in response to serum calcium levels.
Overview
The thyroid gland performs several important functions within the human body.
Learning Outcomes
The thyroid hormones have a number of cardiovascular, developmental, and metabolic effects on the body. While the primary thyroid hormones are thyroxine and triiodothyronine, this gland also produces calcitonin. Calcitonin is responsible for regulating serum calcium levels within the body.
Test Taking Tip
Consider the function of each hormone, and its source, to answer this question correctly. .