Islets of Langerhans
Synonyms
Cell, Islet
Cells, Islet
Endocrine Pancreas
Islands of Langerhans
Islet Cell
Islet Cells
Islet, Pancreatic
Islets, Pancreatic
Langerhans Islands
Langerhans Islets
Nesidioblast
Nesidioblasts
Pancreas, Endocrine
Pancreatic Islet
Pancreatic Islets
Irregular microscopic structures consisting of cords of endocrine cells that are scattered throughout the PANCREAS among the exocrine acini. Each islet is surrounded by connective tissue fibers and penetrated by a network of capillaries. There are four major cell types. The most abundant beta cells (50-80%) secrete INSULIN. Alpha cells (5-20%) secrete GLUCAGON. PP cells (10-35%) secrete PANCREATIC POLYPEPTIDE. Delta cells (~5%) secrete SOMATOSTATIN.