Calcitonin is a 32 amino acid peptide hormone secreted by parafollicular cells (also known as C cells) of the thyroid (or endostyle) in humans and other chordates[5] in the ultimopharyngeal body.[6] It acts to reduce blood calcium (Ca2+), opposing the effects of parathyroid hormone (PTH).[7]
Its importance in humans has not been as well established as its importance in other animals, as its function is usually not significant in the regulation of normal calcium homeostasis.[8] It belongs to the calcitonin-like protein family.
Historically calcitonin has also been called thyrocalcitonin.[9]
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