Beta cell

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Beta cell

Beta cells (pronounced: /ˈbeɪtə sɛlz/) are a type of cell found in the pancreas. They make up around 70% of the cells in the Islets of Langerhans.

Etymology

The term "beta cell" comes from the Greek letter beta (β), which was used in the early studies of the pancreas to differentiate the various types of cells in the islets of Langerhans.

Function

Beta cells are responsible for the production, storage, and release of insulin, a hormone that regulates the level of glucose in the blood. When the blood glucose level rises, beta cells secrete insulin to help bring the level back to normal.

Related terms

  • Alpha cell: Another type of cell in the islets of Langerhans, responsible for producing the hormone glucagon.
  • Delta cell: These cells produce the hormone somatostatin, which inhibits the release of insulin and glucagon.
  • Pancreatic islets: Also known as islets of Langerhans, these are the regions of the pancreas that contain its endocrine (hormone-producing) cells.
  • Insulin: A hormone produced by beta cells that regulates the level of glucose in the blood.
  • Glucose: A simple sugar that is an important energy source in living organisms and is a component of many carbohydrates.

See also

  • Diabetes mellitus: A group of metabolic diseases characterized by high blood sugar levels over a prolonged period.
  • Insulin resistance: A pathological condition in which cells fail to respond normally to the hormone insulin.
  • Pancreatic beta cell: A type of cell in the pancreas located in the islets of Langerhans.

External links

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