Definition of Thyrocalcitonin

1. Atrial Fibrillation Slideshow Pictures
2. Bad Bugs and Their Bites Slideshow
3. Understanding Ulcerative Colitis Slideshow

Thyrocalcitonin: A hormone, also called calcitonin, produced by the thyroid gland that lowers the levels of calcium and phosphate in the blood and promotes the formation of bone.

Bone is in a constant state of remodeling whereby old bone is removed by cells called osteoclast and new bone is laid down by cells called osteoblasts. Thyrocalcitonin inhibits bone removal by the osteoclasts and at the same time promotes bone formation by the osteoblasts.

Thyrocalcitonin is given in hypercalcemia (high blood calcium) to lower the calcium level; in osteoporosis to increases bone density and decrease the risk of a fracture; and in Paget disease to decrease bone turnover and bone pain.