Calcitonin Unit Converter

Calcitonin is a 32-amino-acid peptide hormone produced by the parafollicular cells (C-cells) of the thyroid gland. It plays a role in calcium and phosphate regulation by opposing the actions of parathyroid hormone (PTH).

In clinical practice, calcitonin is primarily used as a tumor marker for medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) and C-cell hyperplasia rather than for evaluating calcium balance. Interestingly, abnormal calcitonin levels do not appear to cause significant symptoms, and the hormone's physiological importance in humans remains unclear.

Males typically have higher calcitonin levels than females, and reference ranges vary depending on the assay method used.

Calcitonin is produced and secreted by the parafollicular cells (C-cells) of the thyroid gland, which are located in the medulla (inner portion) of the thyroid. These specialized cells respond to elevated blood calcium levels by releasing calcitonin.