Human Anatomy and Physiology : Help with Evaluation Methods for the Endocrine System

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for Human Anatomy and Physiology

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Example Questions

Example Question #1 : Help With Evaluation Methods For The Endocrine System

Calcitonin may be used therapeutically for the treatment of what condition(s)? 

Possible Answers:

Hypoparathyroidism only

Hyperparathyroidism only

Osteoporosis only

Osteoporosis and hyperparathyroidism

Hypothyroidism only

Correct answer:

Osteoporosis and hyperparathyroidism

Explanation:

Calcitonin inhibits osteoclasts and can be used therapeutically for treatment of osteoporosis and hyperparathyroidism. Osteoclasts are responsible for removing "old bone". Osteoporosis may occur when the removal of "old bone" is greater than the creation of "new bone". By inhibiting osteoclasts, the bone is able to create "new bone" at a faster rate. Similarly, hyperparathyroidism is likely to cause hypercalcemia, which is in part due to the activation of osteoclasts. Thus, calcitonin may be used to take blood calcium levels back down to baseline.

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