Ultimobranchial bodies are small endocrine glands located in the thyroid gland of select vertebrates, like reptiles and birds. The spelling of this word can be broken down phonetically as /ʌl.tɪ.mə.bræŋ.ki.əl ˈbɒd.iz/. The first syllable, "Ultimo," is pronounced with a schwa sound and emphasis on the second syllable. "Branchial" is pronounced with a short "a" sound and emphasis on the first syllable. "Bodies" is pronounced with a diphthong "ou" sound in the first syllable and emphasis on the second syllable.
Ultimobranchial bodies are tiny structures found in the thyroid gland of certain animals, most notably in fish, birds, and reptiles. They are derived from the embryonic tissue known as the ultimobranchial ridge.
These bodies play a crucial role in the maintenance of calcium levels in the body, as they produce a hormone called calcitonin. Calcitonin acts to lower blood calcium levels by inhibiting the release of calcium from bones and promoting its excretion via the kidneys.
In fish, the ultimobranchial bodies are more prominent and distinct, while in birds and reptiles, they often merge with the surrounding thyroid gland tissue.
The presence of ultimobranchial bodies in these animals is believed to have evolved as an adaptation to their unique physiological needs. Unlike mammals, which primarily rely on parathyroid hormone to regulate calcium levels, these animals have evolved additional mechanisms to maintain proper calcium balance. Ultimobranchial bodies, along with other hormones produced in the thyroid gland, are key components of this calcium-regulating system.
In summary, ultimobranchial bodies are small structures found in the thyroid gland of certain animals, involved in the production of calcitonin. They play a crucial role in maintaining calcium levels in the body and are particularly important in fish, birds, and reptiles.
The word "ultimobranchial" is derived from Latin roots. "Ultimo" in Latin means "last" or "farthest", and "branchial" refers to "related to gills". Therefore, "ultimobranchial" describes something pertaining to the farthest or last gill-like structures. "Bodies" refers to the distinct anatomical structures being referred to in this term.