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A person is having problems with calcium and phosphorus metabolism in his body. Which one of following glands may not be functioning properly?
A
parotid
B
pancreas
C
thyroid
D
parathyroid
Detailed Solution
The parathyroid glands secrete parathyroid hormone (PTH, parathormone), which regulates the levels of calcium and phosphate in the body.
PTH increases the blood $Ca^{2+}$ level: it stimulates bone resorption, increases the reabsorption of $Ca^{2+}$ by the renal tubules and increases $Ca^{2+}$ absorption from the digested food, while it increases the excretion of phosphate.
If the parathyroids do not function properly, the blood calcium level falls and phosphate rises; this increases the excitability of nerves and muscles, causing cramps and convulsions (tetany).
The parotid is a salivary gland and the pancreas regulates blood glucose.
The thyroid secretes calcitonin, which lowers blood calcium, but the principal regulator of calcium and phosphorus metabolism is the parathyroid.
So the gland that may not be functioning properly is the parathyroid.
PTH increases the blood $Ca^{2+}$ level: it stimulates bone resorption, increases the reabsorption of $Ca^{2+}$ by the renal tubules and increases $Ca^{2+}$ absorption from the digested food, while it increases the excretion of phosphate.
If the parathyroids do not function properly, the blood calcium level falls and phosphate rises; this increases the excitability of nerves and muscles, causing cramps and convulsions (tetany).
The parotid is a salivary gland and the pancreas regulates blood glucose.
The thyroid secretes calcitonin, which lowers blood calcium, but the principal regulator of calcium and phosphorus metabolism is the parathyroid.
So the gland that may not be functioning properly is the parathyroid.