Which type of cancer is derived from the stratum spinosum?

A. collagen, organic phosphate
This mixes the categories. Collagen is organic, and "organic phosphate" isn’t the correct term for bone mineral content.

B. calcium phosphate compound, osteoblasts and osteocytes
Osteoblasts and osteocytes are cells, not part of the organic matrix. The organic matrix is composed of proteins, primarily collagen.

C. collagen, calcium phosphate compound
This reverses the correct order. Calcium phosphate is inorganic, collagen is organic.

D. collagen, osteoblasts and osteocytes
Again, includes cells instead of matrix materials.

E. calcium phosphate compound, collagen
The inorganic matrix = hydroxyapatite (a calcium phosphate crystal). The organic matrix = collagen fibers, which give tensile strength and flexibility

A. parathyroid hormone is released, decreasing osteoclast activity
Parathyroid hormone (PTH) is released when calcium levels are low, not high. Also, PTH increases, not decreases, osteoclast activity to raise serum calcium.

B. calcitonin hormone is released, increasing osteoclast activity
Calcitonin is released during high calcium levels, but it works to decrease osteoclast activity, not increase it.

C. parathyroid hormone is released, increasing osteoclast activity
This would occur in response to low calcium, which is not the case here. Mary has excess calcium.

D. calcitonin hormone is released, decreasing osteoclast activity
With elevated calcium levels, the thyroid gland releases calcitonin, which works to inhibit osteoclasts to reduce calcium release from bone, helping to restore balance.