Abstract
The ultimobranchial glands are recognized as the source of the calcium-regulating hormone calcitonin that in mammals controls hypercalcemia and lowers plasma calcium by inhibiting bone resorption. The ultimobranchials are well-developed functioning glands in chimaeroids, elasmobranchs, and teleosts and contain high concentrations of calcitonin. This chapter discusses the function of the ultimobranchial glands and its association with calcitonin and calcium regulation. The ultimobranchial glands were the first of the calcium-regulating glands to develop for they are found in all jawed vertebrates. This chapter also focuses on calcitonin, the second calcium-regulating hormone, and its association with the ultimobranchial gland. In this chapter, the original name “calcitonin” will be used rather than the alternative term “thyrocalcitonin,” because it is more appropriate for a hormone of ultimobranchial origin.
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