Structured Summary
Abstract
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.
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Classification
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Synonyms
15 entry terms
- Islands of Langerhans
- Islet Cells
- Nesidioblasts
- Pancreas, Endocrine
- Pancreatic Islets
- Cell, Islet
- Cells, Islet
- Endocrine Pancreas
- Islet Cell
- Islet, Pancreatic
- Islets, Pancreatic
- Langerhans Islands
- Langerhans Islets
- Nesidioblast
- Pancreatic Islet
MeSH Record
Aspects Covered
23 allowable subheadings
Indexed with the subheadings abnormalities, anatomy & histology, blood supply, chemistry, cytology, diagnostic imaging, drug effects, embryology, enzymology, growth & development, immunology, injuries, innervation, metabolism, microbiology, parasitology, pathology, physiology, physiopathology, radiation effects, surgery, ultrastructure, virology.
MeSH Record
Indexing Annotation
do not confuse with LANGERHANS CELLS (skin); neoplasms = ADENOMA, ISLET CELL or CARCINOMA, ISLET CELL or their specifics
MeSH Record
History Note
91; was ISLANDS OF LANGERHANS 1963-90
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AMA Style
References
- National Library of Medicine. Islets of Langerhans. Medical Subject Headings (MeSH). 2026. Unique ID D007515. http://id.nlm.nih.gov/mesh/2026/D007515
- Islets of Langerhans. In: Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pancreatic_islets
- Islets of Langerhans. In: Wikidata. https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q728309