| Parafollicular cell | |
|---|---|
 Microscopic section of the thyroid showing follicles lined by follicular epithelial cells, and in between them larger parafollicular cells. | |
| Details | |
| Location | Thyroid |
| Function | Calcitonin secretion |
| Identifiers | |
| TH | H3.08.02.4.00009 |
| FMA | 68653 |
| Anatomical terms of microanatomy | |
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. In teleost and avian species these cells occupy a structure outside the thyroid gland named the ultimopharyngeal body.
- ^ "Parafollicular Cell - an overview | ScienceDirect Topics". www.sciencedirect.com. Retrieved 2024-02-03.