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Ch. 16 The Endocrine System
Hoehn - Marieb Human Anatomy & Physiology, 12th edition
Hoehn, Haynes, Abbott12th EditionMarieb Human Anatomy & PhysiologyISBN: 9780138242732Not the one you use?Change textbook
Chapter 16, Problem 1

The major stimulus for the release of parathyroid hormone is:
a. Hormonal
b. Humoral
c. Neural

Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the types of stimuli that can trigger hormone release: hormonal (stimulated by other hormones), humoral (stimulated by changes in blood levels of certain ions or nutrients), and neural (stimulated by nerve fibers).
Recall that parathyroid hormone (PTH) is primarily involved in regulating calcium levels in the blood.
Recognize that the release of PTH is directly influenced by the concentration of calcium ions in the blood, which is an example of a humoral stimulus.
Therefore, identify that the major stimulus for PTH release is a change in blood calcium levels, fitting the definition of a humoral stimulus.
Conclude that the correct answer corresponds to the humoral stimulus category.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Parathyroid Hormone (PTH)

Parathyroid hormone is a peptide hormone secreted by the parathyroid glands that regulates calcium and phosphate levels in the blood. It increases blood calcium by stimulating bone resorption, enhancing calcium absorption in the intestines, and reducing calcium excretion by the kidneys.
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Humoral Stimulus

A humoral stimulus refers to the regulation of hormone release in response to changes in blood levels of certain ions or nutrients. For PTH, low blood calcium levels act as a humoral stimulus, triggering its secretion to restore calcium balance.
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Types of Hormonal Stimuli

Hormonal stimuli involve the release of hormones in response to other hormones, while neural stimuli involve nervous system signals. Understanding these helps differentiate how various hormones, including PTH, are regulated based on different physiological triggers.
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