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Multiple Choice
Which gland produces a hormone that increases calcium levels in the blood?
A
Parathyroid gland
B
Pituitary gland
C
Adrenal gland
D
Thyroid gland
Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Understand the role of calcium regulation in the body. Calcium levels in the blood are tightly regulated because calcium is essential for processes like muscle contraction, nerve signaling, and blood clotting.
Step 2: Recall the glands involved in calcium homeostasis. The parathyroid gland is specifically responsible for regulating calcium levels in the blood by producing parathyroid hormone (PTH).
Step 3: Learn the function of parathyroid hormone (PTH). PTH increases blood calcium levels by stimulating bone resorption (breaking down bone to release calcium), increasing calcium absorption in the intestines, and reducing calcium excretion by the kidneys.
Step 4: Differentiate the other glands mentioned in the question. The pituitary gland regulates hormones like growth hormone and thyroid-stimulating hormone, the adrenal gland produces stress-related hormones like cortisol, and the thyroid gland produces hormones like calcitonin, which lowers blood calcium levels.
Step 5: Based on the above information, identify the gland that produces a hormone to increase calcium levels in the blood. The correct answer is the parathyroid gland.