Question

Assertion: Thyroid gland use to regulate blood calcium level. Reason: Thyroid gland use to secret protein hormone called thyrocalcitonin which affects blood calcium level.

Short answer

Yes, the thyroid gland helps regulate blood calcium levels by secreting the hormone thyrocalcitonin, which inhibits the activity of osteoclasts, thus reducing the amount of calcium and phosphorus released into the bloodstream.

Step-by-step solution

Identify the Functions of the Thyroid Gland

The thyroid gland is part of the endocrine system and is responsible for producing hormones that regulate the body's metabolic rate. One of these hormones is thyrocalcitonin (also known as calcitonin).

Understand the role of Thyrocalcitonin

Thyrocalcitonin is a hormone produced by the thyroid gland that helps regulate calcium levels in the body. It lowers blood calcium levels by inhibiting the activity of osteoclasts, cells that break down bone to release calcium and phosphorus into the bloodstream.

Connect the Function of Thyrocalcitonin to Blood Calcium Regulation

Knowing the function of thyrocalcitonin provides the answer to our exercise. By inhibiting the activity of osteoclasts, thyrocalcitonin lowers the amount of calcium and phosphorus being released into the bloodstream. Therefore, the thyroid gland, through the secretion of thyrocalcitonin, indeed helps regulate blood calcium levels.

Key concepts

Thyrocalcitonin

The thyroid gland, a butterfly-shaped organ situated in the neck, produces various hormones, including thyrocalcitonin. This hormone is also known as calcitonin. It plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy calcium levels in the human body.

Calcitonin works by inhibiting the activity of specialized cells known as osteoclasts.

• Osteoclasts are responsible for breaking down bone tissue and releasing calcium and phosphorus into the bloodstream.
• By limiting their activity, thyrocalcitonin helps prevent excessive amounts of calcium from entering the blood.

This regulation ensures calcium remains adequately balanced, supporting essential bodily functions like bone health and nerve conduction.

Calcium Regulation

Calcium is a vital mineral in the human body, supporting functions ranging from bone formation to muscle contractions and neural communication.

The regulation of calcium levels is a critical aspect of maintaining overall health. Several mechanisms help regulate calcium, ensuring it remains within a narrow range. One of these mechanisms involves thyrocalcitonin.

• When calcium levels rise too high, thyrocalcitonin acts to inhibit the activity of osteoclasts.
• By reducing the breakdown of bone tissue, less calcium is released into the bloodstream.

This process is vital because both high and low calcium levels can cause health issues. Maintaining balanced calcium levels ensures the proper functioning of physiological processes.

Endocrine System

The endocrine system is a network of glands that produce and secrete hormones, coordinating many of the body's functions. The thyroid gland is a key player within this system.

As part of its role, it influences metabolism, growth, and developmental processes through hormone production.

• Hormones are chemical messengers that travel through the bloodstream to target organs and tissues, eliciting specific responses.
• The thyroid gland, beyond producing thyrocalcitonin, also secretes hormones like T3 and T4 which regulate metabolic processes.

Understanding the endocrine system's role is essential for grasping how hormones, including thyrocalcitonin, maintain homeostasis in the body. This interconnected system underscores the complexity and precision of hormonal regulation.