Parafollicular cell

From WikiMD's Wellnesspedia

Parafollicular cells, also known as C cells, are neuroendocrine cells in the thyroid gland that produce and secrete calcitonin. They are located in the spaces between the larger, more numerous follicular cells, which produce the thyroid hormones thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3).

Function[edit | edit source]

Parafollicular cells play a crucial role in the regulation of calcium homeostasis. They respond to high levels of blood calcium by secreting calcitonin, a hormone that lowers blood calcium levels. This is achieved by inhibiting the activity of osteoclasts, cells that break down bone to release calcium into the bloodstream.

Clinical significance[edit | edit source]

Abnormalities in parafollicular cells can lead to medical conditions such as medullary thyroid cancer and hypercalcemia. Medullary thyroid cancer, a rare form of thyroid cancer, originates from parafollicular cells. Hypercalcemia, a condition characterized by excessively high levels of calcium in the blood, can also be caused by overactivity of parafollicular cells.

See also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]


Parafollicular cell Resources

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