Beta cells
Beta Cells
Beta cells (pronounced: BAY-tuh cells) are a type of cell found in the pancreas. They make up around 65-80% 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 because these cells were the second type discovered, after the alpha cells.
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 is high, beta cells secrete insulin to help bring it down. Conversely, when the blood glucose level is low, the secretion of insulin is inhibited.
Related Terms
- Insulin: A hormone produced by beta cells that regulates the amount of glucose in the blood.
- Pancreas: An organ in the body where beta cells are located.
- Islets of Langerhans: Clusters of cells in the pancreas that contain beta cells.
- Alpha cells: Another type of cell in the Islets of Langerhans that produce the hormone glucagon.
- Glucagon: A hormone produced by alpha cells that raises the level of glucose in the blood.
- Diabetes: A disease that occurs when the body can't use glucose properly, often due to problems with insulin production or function.
Diseases
Diseases related to beta cells include Type 1 diabetes and Type 2 diabetes. In Type 1 diabetes, the body's immune system destroys the beta cells, leading to a lack of insulin. In Type 2 diabetes, the beta cells can't produce enough insulin, or the body can't use the insulin properly.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Beta cells
- Wikipedia's article - Beta cells
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