Final answer:
Calcitonin is a hormone released by the thyroid gland to lower elevated blood calcium levels, mainly by increasing osteoblast activity and reducing osteoclast activity, intestinal calcium absorption, and renal calcium reabsorption.
Step-by-step explanation:
Mechanisms Following the Secretion of Calcitonin
Calcitonin is a hormone released from the thyroid gland when there are high levels of calcium in the blood. Its primary function is to decrease blood calcium levels by:
- Increasing the activity of osteoblasts, cells that incorporate calcium into the bone matrix, thereby reducing blood calcium.
- Inhibiting the activity of osteoclasts, which are cells responsible for bone resorption and releasing calcium into the blood.
- Reducing the absorption of dietary calcium in the intestine.
- Signaling the kidneys to reabsorb less calcium, which increases the amount of calcium excreted in the urine.
Together with parathyroid hormone, which has the opposite effect, calcitonin helps maintain calcium homeostasis in the body. While its role is not always seen as crucial, it can be used pharmaceutically to reduce osteoclast activity in conditions such as osteoporosis and osteoarthritis.