Islets of Langerhans
Irregular microscopic structures consisting of cords of endocrine cells that are scattered throughout the PANCREAS among the exocrine acini. Each islet is surrounded by connective tissue fibers and penetrated by a network of capillaries. There are four major cell types. The most abundant beta cells (50-80%) secrete INSULIN. Alpha cells (5-20%) secrete GLUCAGON. PP cells (10-35%) secrete PANCREATIC POLYPEPTIDE. Delta cells (~5%) secrete SOMATOSTATIN.
Year introduced: 1991
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Subheadings:
Tree Number(s): A03.734.414, A06.300.414
MeSH Unique ID: D007515
Entry Terms:
- Langerhans Islets
- Nesidioblasts
- Nesidioblast
- Pancreas, Endocrine
- Endocrine Pancreas
- Islet Cells
- Cell, Islet
- Cells, Islet
- Islet Cell
- Pancreatic Islets
- Islet, Pancreatic
- Islets, Pancreatic
- Pancreatic Islet
- Islands of Langerhans
- Langerhans Islands