Islets of Langerhans
| Definition: |
Irregular microscopic structures, varying from a few to hundreds of cells, scattered throughout the PANCREAS and comprising its endocrine portion. There are three cell types: alpha, secreting glucagon; beta, secreting insulin; and delta (D CELLS), secreting somatostatin. |
| Notes: |
do not confuse with LANGERHANS CELLS (skin); neopl = ADENOMA, ISLET CELL or CARCINOMA, ISLET CELL or their specifics |
| Also Called: |
Pancreatic alpha Cells,Pancreatic beta Cells |
Islets of Langerhans Definitions and Terms
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