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Multiple Choice
Which hormone is responsible for lowering blood calcium levels?
A
Aldosterone
B
Calcitonin
C
Cortisol
D
Parathyroid hormone
Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Understand the role of calcium regulation in the body. Blood calcium levels are tightly regulated by hormones to maintain homeostasis, as calcium is essential for processes like muscle contraction, nerve signaling, and bone health.
Step 2: Identify the hormones listed in the problem and their primary functions. Aldosterone regulates sodium and potassium balance, cortisol is involved in stress response and metabolism, and parathyroid hormone increases blood calcium levels by stimulating bone resorption and calcium absorption in the intestines.
Step 3: Learn about calcitonin, which is secreted by the thyroid gland. Calcitonin lowers blood calcium levels by inhibiting osteoclast activity (cells that break down bone tissue) and promoting calcium deposition in bones.
Step 4: Compare the functions of the listed hormones. Calcitonin is the only hormone among the options that directly lowers blood calcium levels, while parathyroid hormone has the opposite effect, increasing blood calcium levels.
Step 5: Conclude that calcitonin is the hormone responsible for lowering blood calcium levels, based on its physiological role in calcium homeostasis.