C cell
C Cell is a type of cell that is found in the thyroid gland. These cells are also known as parafollicular cells and are responsible for the production and secretion of the hormone calcitonin.
Function[edit | edit source]
The primary function of C cells is the production and secretion of calcitonin. This hormone plays a crucial role in the regulation of calcium and phosphate metabolism in the body. When the levels of calcium in the blood are high, calcitonin is released to inhibit the activity of osteoclasts, the cells that break down bone to release calcium into the bloodstream. This helps to lower the levels of calcium in the blood.
Location[edit | edit source]
C cells are located in the thyroid gland, specifically in the spaces between the follicles of the thyroid. They are most commonly found in the middle and upper thirds of the thyroid lobes.
Clinical significance[edit | edit source]
Abnormalities in C cells can lead to a number of medical conditions. For example, medullary thyroid cancer is a type of cancer that originates from the C cells of the thyroid. In addition, certain genetic conditions, such as multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 (MEN2), can cause the C cells to become hyperplastic or tumorous.
See also[edit | edit source]
 | This cell biology article is a stub. You can help WikiMD by expanding it. |
 | This endocrinology article is a stub. You can help WikiMD by expanding it. |
Search WikiMD
Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD
|
WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia |
| Let Food Be Thy Medicine Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates |
Translate this page: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
தமிழ்,
తెలుగు,
Urdu,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
বাংলা
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
Greek,
português do Brasil,
polski,
română,
русский,
Nederlands,
norsk,
svenska,
suomi,
Italian
Middle Eastern & African
عربى,
Turkish,
Persian,
Hebrew,
Afrikaans,
isiZulu,
Kiswahili,
Other
Bulgarian,
Hungarian,
Czech,
Swedish,
മലയാളം,
मराठी,
ਪੰਜਾਬੀ,
ગુજરાતી,
Portuguese,
Ukrainian
Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.
Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD
