Question

Identify the two endocrine glands responsible for the maintenance of serum calcium. (Anatomy and Physiology)

Answer 1

Answer:

The two endocrine glands responsible for maintaining serum calcium levels are the thyroid and parathyroid.

Explanation:

The thyroid gland, specifically the thyroid C cells, secretes the hormone calcitonin which contributes to the decrease in serum calcium levels.  On the other hand, the parathyroid gland has the function of increasing the levels of calcium by secreting parathormone.

Both hormones are also responsible for the regulation of phosphorus levels.

The function of calcitonin allows:

• Avoid the processes of intestinal absorption calcium and bone resorption, decreasing calcium in the blood.
• Facilitates renal excretion of calcium.

The paratohormone has an activity opposite to calcitonin and allows

• Intestinal reabsorption of calcium.
• Bone resorption.
• Increases renal reabsorption of calcium.

Both effects depend on the production of hormones by the thyroid and parathyroid glands, in response to increased or decreased blood calcium levels, for maintenance of homeostasis.