HOSA Dental Terminology Practice

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Enhance your dental knowledge for the HOSA Dental Terminology Exam. Utilize our comprehensive questions and flashcards featuring explanations and hints. Prepare effectively for your test today!

Each practice test/flash card set has 50 randomly selected questions from a bank of over 500. You'll get a new set of questions each time!

Practice this question and more.

What does the parathyroid gland primarily regulate?

Blood pressure.
Calcium metabolism in the body.
Heartbeat rhythm.
Food digestion.

The correct answer is: Calcium metabolism in the body.

The parathyroid gland primarily regulates calcium metabolism in the body, making this choice the correct one. This gland, which is typically composed of four small glands located behind the thyroid, secretes parathyroid hormone (PTH). PTH plays a crucial role in maintaining the balance of calcium levels in the blood by influencing various bodily processes. When calcium levels in the blood fall too low, the parathyroid glands release PTH, which triggers the release of calcium from bones, increases calcium absorption in the intestines, and enhances the reabsorption of calcium in the kidneys. This action is essential for many biological functions, including nerve transmission and muscle contraction. Understanding the role of the parathyroid gland helps in recognizing how calcium balance is pivotal for overall health, which also distinguishes it from other physiological processes such as blood pressure regulation, heartbeat rhythm, or food digestion.