What effects does calcitonin have on bone health?

Calcitonin is a hormone produced by the thyroid gland that plays a crucial role in calcium homeostasis and bone health. It primarily promotes osteoblast activity, which is essential for bone formation, and inhibits osteoclast activity, which is responsible for the resorption or breakdown of bone tissue. By stimulating osteoblasts, calcitonin encourages the deposition of calcium into the bone matrix, helping to increase bone density and strengthen bones.

This action is particularly important in conditions characterized by high levels of calcium in the blood (hypercalcemia), as calcitonin helps to lower blood calcium levels by promoting mineralization of the bone. Therefore, the correct answer reflects the supportive role of calcitonin in maintaining and enhancing bone structure and health through its regulatory effects on bone-resorbing and bone-forming cells.