Which pancreatic cell type secretes insulin?

Prepare for the NBME Histology Test with flashcards and multiple-choice questions. Each question is designed to reinforce your understanding of histological concepts. Get ready for your exam with confidence!

Multiple Choice

Which pancreatic cell type secretes insulin?

Explanation:
Insulin is produced by the beta cells of the pancreatic islets. These endocrine cells respond to rising blood glucose by secreting insulin, which promotes glucose uptake into liver, muscle, and adipose tissue and helps lower blood glucose levels. Beta cells are the main source of insulin within the islets of Langerhans. In contrast, alpha cells secrete glucagon, delta cells secrete somatostatin, and PP cells secrete pancreatic polypeptide, so they do not produce insulin. The exocrine pancreas’ acinar cells make digestive enzymes, not hormones.

Insulin is produced by the beta cells of the pancreatic islets. These endocrine cells respond to rising blood glucose by secreting insulin, which promotes glucose uptake into liver, muscle, and adipose tissue and helps lower blood glucose levels. Beta cells are the main source of insulin within the islets of Langerhans. In contrast, alpha cells secrete glucagon, delta cells secrete somatostatin, and PP cells secrete pancreatic polypeptide, so they do not produce insulin. The exocrine pancreas’ acinar cells make digestive enzymes, not hormones.

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