Parafollicular Cells

Definition

Parafollicular cells, also known as C-cells, are a type of specialized endocrine cells located within the thyroid gland. They are responsible for the production and secretion of the hormone calcitonin, which plays a crucial role in the regulation of calcium homeostasis in the body.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Parafollicular cells are located between the thyroid follicles, which are the functional units of the thyroid gland.
2. The primary function of parafollicular cells is to secrete the hormone calcitonin, which helps lower blood calcium levels.
3. Calcitonin released by parafollicular cells acts on the bones, kidneys, and intestines to decrease calcium levels in the blood.
4. Parafollicular cells play a crucial role in maintaining calcium homeostasis, which is essential for proper bone health and neuromuscular function.
5. Dysfunction or abnormalities in parafollicular cells can lead to various thyroid-related disorders, such as medullary thyroid carcinoma.

Review Questions

• Explain the role of parafollicular cells in the context of calcium homeostasis.
  • Parafollicular cells, also known as C-cells, are responsible for the production and secretion of the hormone calcitonin. Calcitonin plays a crucial role in the regulation of calcium homeostasis by acting on the bones, kidneys, and intestines to decrease blood calcium levels. This helps maintain a stable concentration of calcium in the body, which is essential for proper bone health, neuromuscular function, and other physiological processes.
• Describe the relationship between parafollicular cells and the thyroid gland.
  • Parafollicular cells are located within the thyroid gland, which is an endocrine gland responsible for producing hormones essential for regulating metabolism, growth, and development. The parafollicular cells, or C-cells, are a specialized type of endocrine cell found in the thyroid gland. They are responsible for the production and secretion of the hormone calcitonin, which helps regulate calcium and phosphate levels in the body. The proper functioning of parafollicular cells is crucial for the overall health and homeostasis of the thyroid gland and the body's calcium metabolism.
• Analyze the potential consequences of dysfunction or abnormalities in parafollicular cells.
  • Dysfunction or abnormalities in parafollicular cells can lead to various thyroid-related disorders, such as medullary thyroid carcinoma. Since parafollicular cells are responsible for the production of calcitonin, which is essential for maintaining calcium homeostasis, any disruption in their normal function can result in imbalances in calcium and phosphate levels in the body. This can have far-reaching consequences, including impaired bone health, neuromuscular function, and other physiological processes that rely on the proper regulation of calcium. Understanding the critical role of parafollicular cells and their impact on calcium homeostasis is crucial for the diagnosis and management of thyroid-related disorders.

Related terms

Thyroid Gland:

The thyroid gland is an endocrine gland located in the neck that produces hormones essential for regulating metabolism, growth, and development.

Calcitonin:

Calcitonin is a hormone produced by the parafollicular cells of the thyroid gland that helps regulate calcium and phosphate levels in the blood.

Calcium Homeostasis:

Calcium homeostasis is the process of maintaining a stable concentration of calcium in the body, which is essential for various physiological functions.