Parafollicular cells may be found intimately associated with thyroid follicles or as isolated or interstitial clusters of cells. They are not readily found in routine thicker sections of the thyroid gland.
Parafollicular cells synthesize and secrete the hormone calcitonin.
This hormone lowers blood calcium levels by inhibiting bone resorption. The secretion of calcitonin results from elevation of blood calcium concentration above normal levels. All rights reserved.