Final answer:
The parathyroid gland is most likely to be affected after digesting a meal with a large amount of calcium, as it produces parathyroid hormone (PTH) to regulate blood calcium levels. PTH functions to increase blood calcium by acting on the kidneys, bones, and digestive system. High dietary calcium would suppress PTH secretion.
Step-by-step explanation:
The endocrine gland most likely to be affected after digesting a meal with a large amount of calcium is the parathyroid gland. The parathyroid gland produces parathyroid hormone (PTH), which is crucial for maintaining calcium homeostasis in the body. PTH increases blood calcium concentrations when the calcium ion levels fall below normal. It does this by enhancing reabsorption of calcium by the kidneys, stimulating osteoclast activity (which leads to the release of calcium from bones), and stimulating the synthesis and secretion of calcitriol by the kidneys, which enhances calcium absorption by the digestive system. In contrast, the thyroid gland secretes calcitonin, which decreases blood calcium levels by inhibiting bone breakdown and increasing calcium storage in bones. After a meal high in calcium, the parathyroid glands would likely reduce the secretion of PTH, as the blood calcium levels would be elevated.