What is the function of calcitonin in the body?

Calcitonin is a hormone produced by the parafollicular cells of the thyroid gland, and its primary role is to help regulate calcium levels in the body. One of its significant functions is to decrease bone resorption, which refers to the process by which bone tissue is broken down into its mineral components, releasing calcium into the bloodstream. By inhibiting the activity of osteoclasts, the cells responsible for bone resorption, calcitonin helps to lower calcium levels in the blood and promotes its storage in the bones.

This regulation of calcium is crucial for maintaining overall calcium homeostasis and ensuring the body's physiological functions that depend on calcium, such as muscle contraction and nerve conduction. Therefore, recognizing calcitonin's role in decreasing bone resorption highlights its importance in managing calcium levels and bone health in the body.