PTH as Hypercalcemic Hormone — NEET Biology
✅ Asked in NEET 2022Which of the following is a function of parathyroid hormone? (NEET 2022)
Which of the following is a function of parathyroid hormone? (NEET 2022)
Hormones that regulate blood calcium levels are: (NEET 2020)
Answer & NCERT explanation
Correct answer: B — Increases blood calcium level
Parathyroid hormone increases blood calcium level. PTH promotes calcium release from bones through osteoclast activation, increases calcium reabsorption in kidneys, and enhances calcium absorption from intestine via vitamin D activation. This maintains adequate blood calcium for muscle and nerve function. NCERT clearly explains PTH's calcium-raising effects.
Read more NCERT concept on the PYQ
Parathyroid hormone (PTH) increases the Ca2+ levels in the blood. PTH acts on bones and stimulates the process of bone resorption (dissolution/ demineralisation). PTH also stimulates reabsorption of Ca2+ by the renal tubules and increases Ca2+ absorption from the digested food. It is, thus, clear that PTH is a hypercalcemic hormone, i.e., it increases the blood Ca2+ levels. Along with TCT, it plays a significant role in calcium balance in the body.
PTH increases blood calcium levels by acting on three sites: bones (stimulates resorption/demineralization), kidneys (increases Ca²⁺ reabsorption), and intestines (enhances Ca²⁺ absorption). NTA tests whether students can identify PTH as hypercalcemic (raises Ca²⁺) versus calcitonin as hypocalcemic (lowers Ca²⁺). Common mistake: confusing PTH's effect—students incorrectly think PTH decreases Ca²⁺ or that it causes bone deposition instead of dissolution. Key point: Remember the three mechanisms of PTH action and that bone resorption/demineralization releases calcium INTO the blood, making it hypercalcemic. This distinction between PTH and calcitonin is fundamental to hormonal regulation of calcium homeostasis.
What does NCERT say about Parathyroid hormone PTH increases?
Has this concept appeared in NEET?
Which chapter is this from?
Through deep analysis of NEET and NTA, 176 of the 180 ReNEET 2026 (June 21) questions were already in the MedicNEET question bank before the exam.
176/180MedicNEET's Biology question bank is built from the same NCERT lines NTA picks repeatedly. Not random MCQs — questions crafted exactly like NTA crafts them.