C cells, also known as parafollicular cells, are a type of thyroid gland cell that produce the hormone calcitonin. These cells play a crucial role in the regulation of calcium and phosphate homeostasis within the body.
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C cells are located in the parafollicular regions of the thyroid gland, between the thyroid follicles.
Calcitonin secreted by C cells helps lower blood calcium levels by inhibiting the activity of osteoclasts, which break down bone.
Calcitonin also promotes the deposition of calcium into bone, further reducing blood calcium levels.
C cells play a crucial role in maintaining calcium homeostasis, particularly during periods of high calcium intake or increased bone resorption.
Abnormalities in C cell function, such as the development of medullary thyroid carcinoma, can lead to disturbances in calcium and phosphate metabolism.
Review Questions
Describe the location and function of C cells within the thyroid gland.
C cells are located in the parafollicular regions of the thyroid gland, between the thyroid follicles. These cells produce the hormone calcitonin, which plays a crucial role in regulating calcium and phosphate homeostasis. Calcitonin helps lower blood calcium levels by inhibiting the activity of osteoclasts, the cells responsible for breaking down bone, and by promoting the deposition of calcium into bone.
Explain the importance of C cells and calcitonin in maintaining calcium homeostasis.
C cells and the hormone calcitonin they produce are essential for maintaining a stable concentration of calcium in the body. Calcitonin helps lower blood calcium levels by inhibiting osteoclast activity and promoting the deposition of calcium into bone. This is particularly important during periods of high calcium intake or increased bone resorption, as C cells and calcitonin work to keep calcium levels within the normal range and support overall bone health and mineral balance.
Analyze the potential consequences of abnormalities in C cell function, such as the development of medullary thyroid carcinoma.
Disturbances in C cell function, such as the development of medullary thyroid carcinoma, can lead to significant disruptions in calcium and phosphate metabolism. Medullary thyroid carcinoma is a type of thyroid cancer that originates from the C cells, and it can result in the overproduction of calcitonin. This can cause hypocalcemia, or low blood calcium levels, as well as other metabolic imbalances. Addressing these C cell-related abnormalities is crucial for maintaining proper calcium homeostasis and overall health.
A hormone produced by the C cells of the thyroid gland that helps regulate calcium and phosphate levels in the body by inhibiting the activity of osteoclasts, which are cells that break down bone.
An endocrine gland located in the neck that produces hormones, including thyroid hormones and calcitonin, which regulate various metabolic processes and calcium homeostasis.
The process of maintaining a stable concentration of calcium in the body, which is essential for various physiological functions, such as muscle contraction, nerve function, and bone health.