Anatomy & Physiology Endocrine #16

Question

Which hormone does the thyroid gland secrete in response to changes in serum calcium levels?

Answers

1. Oxytocin
   • Rationale:

     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.

2. Thyroxine
   • Rationale:

     While thyroxine is a hormone secreted by the thyroid gland, it is not secreted in response to serum calcium levels.

3. Calcitonin
   • Rationale:

     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.

4. Triiodothyronine
   • Rationale:

     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.

Explanation

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. .

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