Islets of Langerhans

The Islets of Langerhans (pronounced: /ˈaɪləts ɒv ˈlæŋərhænz/) are clusters of cells in the pancreas that produce important hormones such as insulin and glucagon. They were first discovered by German pathologist Paul Langerhans in 1869, hence the name.

Etymology

The term "Islets of Langerhans" is derived from the name of their discoverer, Paul Langerhans. The term "islet" comes from the fact that these structures are spread throughout the pancreas like tiny islands in a sea of exocrine tissue.

Function

The Islets of Langerhans play a crucial role in the regulation of the body's blood sugar levels. They contain several types of cells, including alpha cells, which produce glucagon, and beta cells, which produce insulin. These hormones work together to maintain the balance of glucose in the bloodstream.

Related Terms

Alpha cells: A type of cell in the Islets of Langerhans that produces the hormone glucagon.
Beta cells: A type of cell in the Islets of Langerhans that produces the hormone insulin.
Insulin: A hormone produced by the beta cells in the Islets of Langerhans that helps regulate blood sugar levels.
Glucagon: A hormone produced by the alpha cells in the Islets of Langerhans that raises blood sugar levels.
Pancreas: The organ in which the Islets of Langerhans are located.

External links

Medical encyclopedia article on Islets of Langerhans
Wikipedia's article - Islets of Langerhans

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Islets of Langerhans