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Correct Answer: Option (C) — Parathyroid hormone
Concept & Option Breakdown
Standard Reference VerifiedParathyroid hormone (PTH or parathormone), secreted by the four parathyroid glands, is the primary endocrine regulator of calcium and phosphate homeostasis. It acts to increase serum calcium levels and decrease serum phosphate by:
- Enhancing osteoclastic bone resorption.
- Stimulating renal tubular calcium reabsorption and inhibiting phosphate reabsorption.
- Promoting the renal conversion of vitamin D into active calcitriol, which increases intestinal calcium absorption.
PTH (Parathyroid hormone) along with Calcitonin directly controls systemic Calcium ($Ca^{2+}$) and Phosphate ($PO_4^{3-}$) levels.
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