American Board of Surgery Qualifying Exam (ABS QE) Practice Test

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What is the endocrine function of the parathyroid glands?

Regulate blood glucose levels
Control calcium homeostasis
Manage thyroid hormone production
Synthesize cortisol

The correct answer is: Control calcium homeostasis

The parathyroid glands primarily play a crucial role in controlling calcium homeostasis in the body. They achieve this through the secretion of parathyroid hormone (PTH), which is essential for maintaining stable levels of calcium in the blood and tissues. When calcium levels drop, the parathyroid glands respond by releasing PTH, which works through several mechanisms: it stimulates the release of calcium from bones, increases intestinal absorption of calcium, and enhances renal tubular reabsorption of calcium, thereby preventing excessive loss of calcium in urine. This effective regulation of calcium is vital for many physiological processes, including neuromuscular function and bone health. The precise regulation of calcium levels is essential because both hypercalcemia and hypocalcemia can lead to serious health issues. In contrast to the correct answer, regulating blood glucose levels is a function of the pancreas, thyroid hormone production is managed by the thyroid gland, and cortisol synthesis is carried out by the adrenal glands. Each of these functions belongs to distinct endocrine glands and systems, highlighting the specialized role of the parathyroid glands in calcium regulation.