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Parafollicular cells, also called C cells, are neuroendocrine cells in the thyroid. They are called C cells because the primary function of these cells is to secrete calcitonin. [1] They are located adjacent to the thyroid follicles and reside in the connective tissue. These cells are large and have a pale stain compared with the follicular cells.
At the microscopic level, there are three primary features of the thyroid—thyroid follicles, thyroid follicular cells, and parafollicular cells, first discovered by Geoffery Websterson in 1664. [14] Follicles. Thyroid follicles are small spherical groupings of cells 0.02–0.9mm in diameter that play the main role in thyroid function. [4]
Calcitonin is a 32 amino acid peptide hormone secreted by parafollicular cells (also known as C cells) of the thyroid (or endostyle) in humans and other chordates [5] in the ultimopharyngeal body. [6] It acts to reduce blood calcium (Ca 2+), opposing the effects of parathyroid hormone (PTH). [7]
Digestive system. Stomach. Gastric enteroendocrine cells. G cell; Delta cell; ... Thyroid gland Follicular cell; Parafollicular cell [3] Parathyroid gland.
Calcitonin-producing parafollicular cells are also found along the basement membrane of the thyroid follicle, interspersed between follicular cells; and in spaces between the spherical follicles. Parafollicular cells can be distinguished from follicular cells based on their lighter staining cytoplasm using H&E.
It develops into the parafollicular cells of the thyroid. [2] The cells that give rise to the parafollicular cells are derivatives of endoderm . [ 3 ] Endoderm cells migrate and associate with the ultimopharyngeal body during development.
The pituitary gland (or hypophysis) is an endocrine gland about the size of a pea and weighing 0.5 grams (0.018 oz) in humans. It is a protrusion off the bottom of the hypothalamus at the base of the brain, and rests in a small, bony cavity (sella turcica) covered by a dural fold (diaphragma sellae).
The endocrine system is a network of glands and organs located throughout the body. It is similar to the nervous system in that it plays a vital role in controlling and regulating many of the body's functions. Endocrine glands are ductless glands of the endocrine system that secrete their products, hormones, directly into the blood.