Table of contents

1. Introduction to Anatomy & Physiology5h 43m
2. Cell Chemistry & Cell Components12h 36m
3. Energy & Cell Processes10h 6m
4. Tissues & Histology10h 3m
5. Integumentary System2h 20m
6. Bones & Skeletal Tissue2h 16m
7. The Skeletal System2h 35m
8. Joints2h 17m
9. Muscle Tissue2h 33m
10. Muscles1h 11m
11. Nervous Tissue and Nervous System1h 35m
12. The Central Nervous System1h 6m
- Introduction to the Central Nervous System
  18m
- The Cerebrum
  48m
13. The Peripheral Nervous System1h 26m
14. The Autonomic Nervous System1h 38m
15. The Special Senses2h 41m
16. The Endocrine System2h 48m
17. The Blood3h 22m
18. The Heart3h 42m
19. The Blood Vessels3h 35m
20. The Lymphatic System3h 16m
21. The Immune System14h 37m
22. The Respiratory System3h 20m
23. The Digestive System2h 5m
24. Metabolism and Nutrition4h 0m
25. The Urinary System2h 39m
26. Fluid and Electrolyte Balance, Acid Base Balance37m
27. The Reproductive System2h 5m
28. Human Development1h 21m
29. Heredity3h 32m

16. The Endocrine System

Introduction to the Endocrine System

Anatomy & Physiology

16. The Endocrine System

Introduction to the Endocrine System

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Multiple Choice

Which gland secretes the most important hormone controlling calcium balance in the blood?

Parathyroid gland

Thyroid gland

Adrenal gland

Pituitary gland

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Verified step by step guidance

Step 1: Understand the role of calcium balance in the body. Calcium is essential for various physiological processes, including muscle contraction, nerve signaling, and blood clotting. Hormonal regulation ensures calcium levels remain within a narrow range.

Step 2: Identify the glands listed in the problem and their primary functions. For example: The parathyroid gland regulates calcium levels, the thyroid gland produces hormones like thyroxine and calcitonin, the adrenal gland secretes stress-related hormones, and the pituitary gland controls various endocrine functions.

Step 3: Focus on the parathyroid gland. It secretes parathyroid hormone (PTH), which is the most important hormone for controlling calcium balance in the blood. PTH increases blood calcium levels by stimulating bone resorption, enhancing calcium absorption in the intestines, and reducing calcium excretion by the kidneys.

Step 4: Compare the parathyroid gland's function to the thyroid gland, which secretes calcitonin. Calcitonin lowers blood calcium levels but plays a less significant role in calcium regulation compared to PTH.

Step 5: Eliminate the adrenal and pituitary glands as they do not directly regulate calcium balance. The adrenal gland primarily produces cortisol and adrenaline, while the pituitary gland controls other endocrine glands but does not directly influence calcium levels.