Name the endocrine gland that produces calcitonin and mention the role played by this hormone.

The endocrine gland that produces calcitonin is the thyroid gland. The thyroid gland is located in the neck, just below the Adam's apple.

Calcitonin is a hormone that helps regulate calcium and phosphate levels in the body. It does this by inhibiting the activity of osteoclasts, the cells that break down bone. When the levels of calcium in the blood are high, the thyroid gland releases calcitonin. This hormone then acts to reduce the amount of calcium released from the bones into the blood, thereby lowering blood calcium levels. It also acts on the kidneys to reduce the reabsorption of calcium, which increases the amount of calcium excreted in the urine.

In summary, the main role of calcitonin is to lower blood calcium levels when they become too high.