Parafollicular cells (C cells) are scattered between and beside the thyroid follicles, mostly in the upper parts of each lobe. They derive from neural crest tissue and secrete calcitonin.
| Location | Between thyroid follicles, concentrated in the middle and upper thirds of the lateral lobes |
|---|---|
| Secretes |
|
| Nerve Supply | Cervical sympathetic ganglia (vasomotor) |
| Blood Supply | Superior thyroid artery; Inferior thyroid artery |
| Venous drainage |
|
| Lymphatic drainage |
|
Release calcitonin when blood calcium rises, which reduces bone breakdown; its role in adult humans is minor.
Medullary thyroid carcinoma arises from these cells; calcitonin is used as a tumour marker. It can be inherited as part of multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2, so family members may be offered genetic testing and preventive thyroidectomy.
Cancer of C cells, sometimes inherited with MEN 2, marked by raised calcitonin.
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