What is follicular and parafollicular cell in endocrine system
Follicular cells are found in the thyroid gland and produce and secrete thyroid hormones, namely T3 (triiodothyronine) and T4 (thyroxine). These hormones play a crucial role in regulating metabolism, growth, and development in the body.
Parafollicular cells, also known as C-cells, are also found in the thyroid gland, but they have a different function. These cells produce and secrete the hormone calcitonin, which helps in regulating calcium levels in the body. Calcitonin works by decreasing the amount of calcium released from bones into the bloodstream, thus lowering blood calcium levels.
Overall, both the follicular and parafollicular cells in the endocrine system are important for maintaining homeostasis and proper functioning of the body.
Follicular cells and parafollicular cells are two types of cells found in the endocrine system, specifically in the thyroid gland.
Follicular cells are the main functional cells of the thyroid gland. They produce and secrete thyroid hormones called triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). These hormones play crucial roles in regulating metabolism, growth, development, and energy balance in the body. To understand more about follicular cells, you can refer to textbooks, scientific articles, or online resources on endocrinology or thyroid gland function.
Parafollicular cells, also known as C cells, are another type of cells present in the thyroid gland. These cells are responsible for producing and secreting a hormone called calcitonin. Calcitonin regulates calcium and phosphate levels in the blood by inhibiting the activity of osteoclasts (cells that break down bone tissue). The primary function of calcitonin is to lower blood calcium levels by enhancing calcium deposition into bones and inhibiting its release from bones. To learn more about parafollicular cells, you can study endocrine physiology or thyroid gland anatomy resources.
Understanding the functions and characteristics of follicular and parafollicular cells in the endocrine system requires in-depth study of endocrinology. By referring to specialized literature on this topic, you can gain a comprehensive understanding of these cells' roles in hormone production and regulation.
Follicular cells and parafollicular cells are two types of cells found in the thyroid gland, which is a part of the endocrine system.
1. Follicular cells: These cells make up the majority of the thyroid gland. They are responsible for producing and secreting two important hormones called thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). These hormones play a vital role in controlling the body's metabolism, growth, and development. Follicular cells are unique in that they store the thyroid hormones in their colloid-filled follicles until they are needed.
2. Parafollicular cells (C cells): These cells are scattered between the follicular cells in the thyroid gland. They are responsible for producing a hormone called calcitonin. Calcitonin helps regulate calcium levels in the body by inhibiting the release of calcium from bones and promoting its excretion by the kidneys. Parafollicular cells are less abundant than follicular cells but play an important role in maintaining calcium homeostasis.
In summary, follicular cells produce and secrete the thyroid hormones T4 and T3, while parafollicular cells produce and secrete calcitonin. These two types of cells work together to regulate hormone production and maintain homeostasis in the body.