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beta cell
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Ball-and-stick molecular model of insulin, with clusters of multicolored spheres representing atoms, connected and outlined in yellow against a dark background. An anatomical illustration of the human pancreas shows its location near the stomach and intestines, a detailed cross-section highlighting ducts and the islet of Langerhans, and an inset of pancreatic tissue histology with labeled alpha, beta, and delta cells. Diagram showing a cross-section of a pancreatic islet of Langerhans on the left, with alpha, beta, and delta cells labeled by color, and on the right, arrows illustrating paracrine interactions among these cell types through hormones glucagon, insulin, and somatostatin.
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beta cell

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Ball-and-stick molecular model of insulin, with clusters of multicolored spheres representing atoms, connected and outlined in yellow against a dark background.
Insulin Insulin, a protein hormone, is produced by beta cells, the most common type of islet cell in the pancreas.

Beta cells are a type of cell found in the islets of Langerhans within the pancreas. These cells are crucial for regulating metabolism, primarily by producing insulin. Insulin plays a vital role in promoting glucose uptake by the body's cells for energy, preventing the liver from releasing excess glucose, and aiding in the uptake of amino acids by muscle cells. It also inhibits the breakdown of fats. When blood glucose levels rise, such as after a meal, beta cells release insulin to counteract this increase. Insufficient insulin production or resistance to its effects leads to diabetes mellitus.123

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3 Britannica Sources
  1. islets of Langerhans
  2. diabetes mellitus - Type 1 diabetes mellitus
  3. hormone - Insulin

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