A patient who has recently undergone surgery to remove tumors from his thyroid gland suddenly begins to tremble violently from head to toe because his nerves have become too excitable. Why?
A) Too much thyroid tissue was removed, and without oxytocin, blood calcium levels fell too low.
B) The parathyroid glands were removed, and without parathyroid hormone (PTH), blood calcium levels rose too high.
C) The parathyroid glands were removed, and without parathyroid hormone (PTH), blood calcium levels fell too low.
D) Too much thyroid tissue was removed, and without calcitonin, blood calcium levels fell too low.
E) The hypothalamus was removed, and without it releasing hormones, blood calcium levels fell too low.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The parathyroid glands, which are located behind the thyroid gland, produce parathyroid hormone (PTH) that helps regulate calcium levels in the blood. If the parathyroid glands are accidentally removed or damaged during thyroid surgery, the body's ability to regulate calcium decreases, leading to hypocalcemia (low blood calcium levels). This can cause increased nerve excitability and symptoms such as muscle tremors or cramps.

A Patient Who Has Recently Undergone Surgery to Remove Tumors