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Thyroid C-Cell

Meaning

Thyroid C-Cells, also known as parafollicular cells, are specialized neuroendocrine cells located within the thyroid gland but situated outside the thyroid follicles. These cells are functionally distinct from the follicular cells that produce thyroid hormones, as their sole endocrine role is the synthesis and secretion of the peptide hormone calcitonin. They are critical for the homeostatic regulation of calcium metabolism.