Question

Name the endocrine gland that produces calcitonin and mention the role played by this hormone.

Answer 1

Calcitonin / thyrocalcitonin is a 32 amino acid, linear potypeptide hormone that is produced in humans primarily by the parafollicular cells of the thyroid gland. It checks excess $C{a}^{2+}$ and phosphate in plasma by decreasing mobilisation from bones.

Deficiency of calcitonin results in osteoporesis or loss of bone density (due to dissolution of parathormone).