1. Calcitonin
By Mollie Rubinstein

2. gland The Gland that secretes the hormone is the Thyroid Gland.
Particularly from the Parafollicular or from C Cells in the Thyroid Gland.
The Thyroid gland is located anterior to the trachea. Right below the voice box.

3. Chemical Class/Target TISSUE
Calcitonin is in the Amino Acid Class.
Target Tissues/Organs: Bone, Kidneys and Intestines. There are 3 effects:
Bone: Calcitonin prevents the activity of Osteoclasts. (Keeps calcium in bones).
Kidney: Calcitonin prevents calcium tubular reabsorption.
Intestine: Prevents calcium absorption in the Intestines.

4. Source of Control And Homeostasis
Increased blood calcium levels stimulate the secretion of Calcitonin.
This secretion is prevented when the concentration of calcium in the blood falls below normal.
Oesterogens regulate the secretion of Calcitonin. Menopause increases the reduction of secreting Calcitonin in women.
The right amount of calcium is needed in the blood to prevent malfunctions such as cardiac arrhythmia.
Calcitonin prevents the blood from having too much calcium by allowing the kidneys to cause it to excrete in Urine and preventing the intestines from absorbing it. This allows for the body to maintain normal calcium levels and therefore, Homeostasis.

5. Hyper and HYpo
Hypersecretion (Too much Calcium in Blood) 1.) Irregular Heart Beat 2.)Abnormal Bone Growth and Structure 3.) Is not the cause of, but can be a symptom of Thyroid cancer. 4.) Can cause calcium to build up in blood and cause Heart Disease. Hyposecretion (Not Enough Calcium in Blood) 1.) Osteoporosis  Injuries 2.) Muscle Cramping

6. Analogy
Calcitonin is to the body as a flower stake is to a tall plant.
 Without it, the plant’s structure would not hold, and it would break
Without it, 
our structure would not hold and we would break.

7. Bibliography