Question

which of the following is a result of hypercalcemia?
o a. secretion of parathyroid hormone
o b. enhanced calcium absorption in the intestines
o c. secretion of calcitonin from the thyroid gland
o d. the stimulation of osteoclast cells to break down bone

Explanation:

• Option a: Parathyroid hormone (PTH) secretion increases blood calcium, so PTH secretion is a cause, not a result, of hypercalcemia.
• Option b: Enhanced intestinal calcium absorption would increase blood calcium (a cause of hypercalcemia), not a result of already having high calcium.
• Option c: Calcitonin is secreted by the thyroid gland in response to high blood calcium (hypercalcemia) to lower calcium levels (e.g., by inhibiting osteoclasts and increasing calcium excretion). So this is a result of hypercalcemia.
• Option d: Stimulating osteoclasts to break down bone increases blood calcium (a cause of hypercalcemia), not a result of hypercalcemia.

Answer:

c. Secretion of calcitonin from the thyroid gland