Which pancreatic cells secrete insulin?

Which pancreatic cells secrete insulin?

• A. Alpha cells
• B. Delta cells
• C. Acinar cells
• D. Beta cells

Answer: (D)

Within the pancreas, endocrine function comes from the islets of Langerhans, where different cells produce different hormones. Insulin is produced by the beta cells, which respond to high blood glucose by releasing insulin to promote glucose uptake into muscle and fat and to inhibit hepatic glucose production. Alpha cells secrete glucagon, which raises blood glucose; delta cells secrete somatostatin, which modulates hormone secretion; acinar cells are part of the exocrine pancreas and secrete digestive enzymes. Therefore, the cells that secrete insulin are the beta cells.

Within the pancreas, endocrine function comes from the islets of Langerhans, where different cells produce different hormones. Insulin is produced by the beta cells, which respond to high blood glucose by releasing insulin to promote glucose uptake into muscle and fat and to inhibit hepatic glucose production. Alpha cells secrete glucagon, which raises blood glucose; delta cells secrete somatostatin, which modulates hormone secretion; acinar cells are part of the exocrine pancreas and secrete digestive enzymes. Therefore, the cells that secrete insulin are the beta cells.