What is the primary mechanism by which calcitonin reduces calcium concentration in the blood?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking about the primary mechanism by which calcitonin reduces calcium concentration in the blood. It requires understanding the function of calcitonin and its effects on calcium regulation in the body, specifically which action has the most significant impact on lowering blood calcium levels.
Answer
Calcitonin lowers blood calcium levels by inhibiting osteoclasts, which prevents the release of calcium from bone into the bloodstream.
Calcitonin primarily reduces calcium concentration in the blood by inhibiting osteoclasts, which are cells that break down bone. By blocking osteoclast activity, calcitonin prevents the release of calcium from bone into the bloodstream, thus lowering blood calcium levels.
Answer for screen readers
Calcitonin primarily reduces calcium concentration in the blood by inhibiting osteoclasts, which are cells that break down bone. By blocking osteoclast activity, calcitonin prevents the release of calcium from bone into the bloodstream, thus lowering blood calcium levels.
More Information
Calcitonin is produced in humans by the parafollicular cells (also known as C-cells) of the thyroid. Calcitonin was discovered in 1962 by Copp and Cheney while they were investigating the effects of parathyroid hormone on blood calcium levels.
Tips
A common mistake is to confuse calcitonin's action with that of parathyroid hormone (PTH). Calcitonin reduces blood calcium, while PTH increases it.
Sources
- Calcitonin - You and Your Hormones - yourhormones.info
- Regulation of Body Processes - Hormonal Control of Blood Calcium ... - bio.libretexts.org
- Calcitonin Actions - News-Medical - news-medical.net
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