View source for Parafollicular cell

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'''Parafollicular cells''' (also called '''[[C cells]]''') are cells in the [[thyroid]] which produce and secrete [[calcitonin]].  

Embryologically, they associate with the [[ultimobranchial body]], which itself is a ventral derivative of the [[Fourth Pharyngeal Pouch]]. The Parafollicular cells themselves are derived from [[Neural Crest]] cells.

When parafollicular cells become cancerous, they lead to [[Thyroid_cancer#Medullary_thyroid_cancer_.28MTC.29|medullary carcinoma]] of the thyroid.

==See also==
* [[follicular cell]]

==External links==
* {{USCHistology|end/c_27}}
* {{OklahomaHistology|42_04}}
* {{BUHistology|14302loa}}
* {{KansasHistology|endo|/endo10}} 
* {{AnatomyAtlasesMicroscopic|15|287}}

{{Endocrine system}}

[[Category:Peptide hormone secreting cells]]
[[Category:Endocrinology]]

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