The major cell type in the islets of Langerhans is which?

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Multiple Choice

The major cell type in the islets of Langerhans is which?

Islets of Langerhans contain several hormone-secreting cell types, but the majority are insulin-producing beta cells. These cells make up the largest portion of the islet and respond to elevated blood glucose by releasing insulin, which promotes glucose uptake by liver, muscle, and fat and thus lowers blood glucose. Other cell types—alpha cells that secrete glucagon, delta cells that secrete somatostatin, and PP cells that secrete pancreatic polypeptide—are present in smaller numbers. Because beta cells are the most abundant and drive the key hormonal control of glucose, they are the major cell type in the islets.

Islets of Langerhans contain several hormone-secreting cell types, but the majority are insulin-producing beta cells. These cells make up the largest portion of the islet and respond to elevated blood glucose by releasing insulin, which promotes glucose uptake by liver, muscle, and fat and thus lowers blood glucose. Other cell types—alpha cells that secrete glucagon, delta cells that secrete somatostatin, and PP cells that secrete pancreatic polypeptide—are present in smaller numbers. Because beta cells are the most abundant and drive the key hormonal control of glucose, they are the major cell type in the islets.

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