L2.3.8: Pancreatic Islets

• PANCREATIC ISLETS

  ● Islets of Langerhans, group of cells in the pancreas

  ● Pancreas

  ○ Located in the abdomen, close to the stomach

  ○ Mixed gland, with both endocrine and exocrine functions

  ● The hormones they produce are antagonists that maintain blood sugar homeostasis

  ● Hormones produced: INSULIN and GLUCAGON
• ○ INSULIN

  ■ Produced by beta cells

  ■ Released when blood glucose levels are high

  ■ Increases the rate of glucose uptake and metabolism by body cells

  ■ Effect: hypoglycemic
• ○ GLUCAGON

  ■ Produced by alpha (𝛼) cells

  ■ Released when blood glucose levels are low

  ■ Stimulates the liver to release glucose to blood, thus increasing blood glucose levels

  ■ Effects: hyperglycemic