Alpha cells
Alpha cells
Alpha cells (pronounced: al-fuh sels) are endocrine cells in the pancreas that produce and secrete glucagon, a hormone that raises blood glucose levels. They make up approximately 20% of the total islet cells in the pancreas.
Etymology
The term "alpha cell" is derived from the Greek letter "alpha", which was used to denote these cells due to their position in the islets of Langerhans in the pancreas.
Function
Alpha cells play a crucial role in glucose metabolism and homeostasis. They secrete glucagon in response to low blood glucose levels (hypoglycemia). Glucagon acts on the liver to convert stored glycogen into glucose, which is then released into the bloodstream, thereby increasing blood glucose levels.
Related Terms
- Beta cells: These are the cells in the pancreas that produce insulin, a hormone that lowers blood glucose levels.
- Glucagon: A hormone produced by alpha cells that raises blood glucose levels.
- Pancreas: An organ in the digestive system that produces digestive enzymes and hormones, including insulin and glucagon.
- Islets of Langerhans: Clusters of cells in the pancreas that contain alpha cells and beta cells, among others.
- Hypoglycemia: A condition characterized by abnormally low blood glucose levels, which triggers the secretion of glucagon by alpha cells.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Alpha cells
- Wikipedia's article - Alpha cells
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