Calcitonin 

is a 32 amino acid peptide hormone secreted by parafollicular cells (also known

as C cells) of the thyroid gland in humans, and in many other animals in
the ultimopharyngeal body.[3] It acts to reduce blood calcium (Ca2+), opposing the effects
of parathyroid hormone (PTH).

Calcitonin has been found in fish, reptiles, birds, and mammals. 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.[5] It
belongs to the calcitonin-like protein family.
Historically calcitonin has also been called thyrocalcitonin.

Calcitonin is formed by the proteolytic cleavage of a larger prepropeptide, which is the

product of the CALC1 gene (CALCA). It is functionally an antagonist with PTH and
Vitamin D3.The CALC1 gene belongs to a superfamily of related protein hormone
precursors including islet amyloid precursor protein, calcitonin gene-related peptide, and
the precursor of adrenomedullin.
Secretion of calcitonin is stimulated by:

 an increase in serum [Ca2+][6]

 gastrin and pentagastrin