Which glands regulate calcium in the body and are located near the thyroid?

Which glands regulate calcium in the body and are located near the thyroid?

• A. Parathyroid glands
• B. Thyroid follicles
• C. Adrenal cortex
• D. Pituitary gland

Answer: (A)

Calcium regulation in the body is controlled by the parathyroid glands. These four small glands sit on the posterior surface of the thyroid and secrete parathyroid hormone (PTH) when blood calcium is low. PTH raises calcium by increasing bone resorption, enhancing renal reabsorption of calcium, and activating vitamin D to boost intestinal calcium absorption. When calcium is high, PTH secretion decreases, helping keep levels balanced. The other glands mentioned have different primary roles: the thyroid follicles produce thyroid hormones that regulate metabolism; the adrenal cortex makes hormones like cortisol and aldosterone involved in stress response and salt balance; and the pituitary gland releases various stimulating hormones but does not directly regulate calcium.

Calcium regulation in the body is controlled by the parathyroid glands. These four small glands sit on the posterior surface of the thyroid and secrete parathyroid hormone (PTH) when blood calcium is low. PTH raises calcium by increasing bone resorption, enhancing renal reabsorption of calcium, and activating vitamin D to boost intestinal calcium absorption. When calcium is high, PTH secretion decreases, helping keep levels balanced. The other glands mentioned have different primary roles: the thyroid follicles produce thyroid hormones that regulate metabolism; the adrenal cortex makes hormones like cortisol and aldosterone involved in stress response and salt balance; and the pituitary gland releases various stimulating hormones but does not directly regulate calcium.