Beta
Beta
Beta (pronounced: /ˈbiːtə/ or /ˈbeɪtə/) is a term used in various fields of science and technology. In the medical field, it often refers to beta cells, beta blockers, or beta particles, among other things. The term originates from the second letter of the Greek alphabet, beta (Β in uppercase, β in lowercase).
Beta Cells
Beta Cells are cells that produce insulin in the pancreas. They are located in the islets of Langerhans and make up about 70% of the cells in the islets. The primary function of a beta cell is to produce and release insulin, the hormone responsible for regulating levels of glucose in the blood.
Beta Blockers
Beta Blockers, also known as beta-adrenergic blocking agents, are a class of drugs that are predominantly used to manage abnormal heart rhythms, and to protect the heart from a second heart attack (myocardial infarction) after a first heart attack (secondary prevention). They are also widely used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension), although they are no longer the first choice for initial treatment of high blood pressure.
Beta Particles
Beta Particles are high-energy, high-speed electrons or positrons emitted by certain types of radioactive nuclei such as potassium-40. The production of beta particles is termed beta decay. They are a type of ionizing radiation and for radiation protection purposes are classified as a particle.
Related Terms
- Alpha: The first letter of the Greek alphabet, often used in similar ways as beta in the scientific and medical fields.
- Gamma: The third letter of the Greek alphabet, also used in scientific and medical terminology.
- Delta: The fourth letter of the Greek alphabet, used in scientific and medical terminology.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Beta
- Wikipedia's article - Beta
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