Which hormones are known to affect bone resorption?

• A. Calcitonin and insulin
• B. Parathyroid hormone and sex hormones
• C. Cortisol and estrogen
• D. Growth hormones and glucagon

Answer: (B)

Bone resorption is a critical process in the maintenance of skeletal health, and certain hormones play significant roles in regulating this activity. Parathyroid hormone (PTH) is one of the primary regulators of calcium homeostasis and affects bone resorption by stimulating osteoclast activity. Osteoclasts are the cells responsible for bone resorption, breaking down bone tissue and releasing calcium into the bloodstream.

Sex hormones also have a profound influence on bone density and resorption. Estrogen, in particular, is known for its protective effect on bones. It helps to inhibit bone resorption by regulating the activity of osteoclasts. In both men and women, a decline in sex hormone levels, such as during menopause, can lead to increased bone resorption and a subsequent decrease in bone density.

This understanding clearly illustrates how the combination of parathyroid hormone and sex hormones is essential in controlling bone resorption, ultimately impacting bone health and density. Other hormones, while they may have various effects on bodily functions, do not have the same direct impact on the processes of bone resorption in the context discussed.