C cell


C cell

1. a cell of the pancreatic islets of the guinea pig;
See also: medullary carcinoma of thyroid. Synonym(s): gamma cell of pancreas2. calcitonin-secreting round or spindle shaped follicular thyroid cell; ultrastructurally contains numerous 60-550 nm neuroendocrine granules; best identified immunohistochemically with antibodies to calcitonin. Synonym(s): light cells of thyroid, parafollicular cells

C cell

A calcitonin-secreting neuroendocrine cell found within the thyroid outside of the thyroid follicles. It is the cell of origin of medullary carcinoma of the thyroid