islet of Langerhans

island of Langerhans

The clusters of hormone-producing cells that are scattered throughout the pancreas.

Tipo Gland
Sistema corporal Endocrine
Estructura principal cell cluster
Nombre latino island of Langerhans
FMA ID 16016

Preguntas frecuentes

What are the main cell types found in the islets of Langerhans?
The islets contain several hormone-secreting cell types: alpha cells (glucagon), beta cells (insulin, the most abundant type), delta cells (somatostatin), PP cells (pancreatic polypeptide), and epsilon cells (ghrelin). Each cell type regulates distinct metabolic functions.
How do islets of Langerhans differ from the exocrine pancreas?
Islets are endocrine structures that secrete hormones directly into the bloodstream, comprising about 1-2% of the pancreatic mass. The surrounding exocrine pancreas produces digestive enzymes secreted into the duodenum via ducts.
What happens to islets of Langerhans in type 1 diabetes?
In type 1 diabetes, the immune system attacks and destroys the insulin-producing beta cells within the islets of Langerhans. This autoimmune destruction results in absolute insulin deficiency, requiring lifelong insulin therapy.

Estructuras relacionadas

parenchyma of parathyroid gland parathyroid gland parenchyma renin-angiotensin system renin angiotensin aldosterone system adrenal cortex adrenal gland cortex secretory circumventricular organ endostyle hypopharyngeal groove secretion of endocrine pancreas endocrine pancreas secretion subcapsular region of liver liver subcapsular region parathyroid gland epithelial body

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Data sources: Terminologia Anatomica, Foundational Model of Anatomy, Wikidata.