What hormone promotes calcium deposition in the bones?

Calcitonin is the hormone that promotes calcium deposition in the bones. It is produced by the parafollicular cells (C cells) of the thyroid gland and plays a crucial role in maintaining calcium homeostasis in the body. By increasing the activity of osteoblasts, the cells responsible for bone formation, calcitonin helps to facilitate the uptake of calcium from the bloodstream into the bone matrix, thereby promoting bone mineralization and reducing serum calcium levels.

In addition to stimulating bone formation, calcitonin also acts to inhibit the activity of osteoclasts, the cells that break down bone tissue, further aiding in the accumulation of calcium in bones. This mechanism is particularly important during periods when calcium levels are elevated, helping to protect against hypercalcemia.

Understanding the role of calcitonin is key in the context of bone health and calcium regulation. It acts in opposition to parathyroid hormone, which has the opposite effect by stimulating calcium release from bones to increase blood calcium levels. Growth hormone influences overall growth and metabolism but is not directly responsible for promoting calcium deposition in bones. Cortisol, while having numerous effects in the body, primarily affects metabolism and immune response rather than specifically promoting calcium deposition in bones.