Mesh term Islets of Langerhans
Browse to parent terms:Endocrine Glands
Pancreas
Description
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.Browse to child terms:
Glucagon-Secreting Cells
Insulin-Secreting Cells
Pancreatic Polypeptide-Secreting Cells
Somatostatin-Secreting Cells
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