islets of Langerhans

views updated Jun 11 2018

islets of Langerhans (pancreatic islets) Small groups of cells in the pancreas that function as an endocrine gland. The α (or A) cells secrete the hormone glucagon, the β (or B) cells secrete insulin, and the δ (or D) cells secrete somatostatin. The islets are named after their discoverer, the German anatomist and microscopist Paul Langerhans (1847–88).

A Dictionary of Biology

islets of Langerhans

views updated Jun 11 2018

islets of Langerhans (I-lits ŏv lang-er-hans) pl. n. small groups of endocrine cells, scattered through the material of the pancreas, that secrete insulin, glucagon, and other hormones. See also alpha cells, beta cells, D cells. [ P. Langerhans (1847–88), German pathologist]

A Dictionary of Nursing

islets of Langerhans

views updated May 18 2018

is·lets of Lang·er·hans / ˈlangərˌhanz; ˈlängərˌhäns/ (also is·lands of Lang·er·hans) • pl. n. groups of pancreatic cells secreting insulin and glucagon.

The Oxford Pocket Dictionary of Current English

islets of Langerhans

views updated May 09 2018

islets of Langerhans The endocrine parts of the pancreas; glucagon is secreted by the α‐cells and insulin by the β‐cells.

A Dictionary of Food and Nutrition DAVID A. BENDER

islets of Langerhans

views updated May 21 2018

islets of Langerhans In the pancreas of jawed vertebrates, tissue that secretes the hormones insulin and glucagon.

A Dictionary of Zoology MICHAEL ALLABY

More From encyclopedia.com

About this article

Islets of Langerhans

All Sources -
Updated Aug 08 2016 About encyclopedia.com content Print Topic

You Might Also Like