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delta cell
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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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delta cell

anatomy
Also known as: D cell
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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.
The role of the islets of Langerhans The islets of Langerhans are responsible for the endocrine function of the pancreas. Each islet contains beta, alpha, delta, and pancreatic polypeptide (PP) cells that are responsible for the secretion of pancreatic hormones. Beta cells secrete insulin, a well-characterized hormone that plays an important role in regulating glucose metabolism.

Delta cells are a type of cell found in the islets of Langerhans within the pancreas. These cells produce and secrete the hormone somatostatin. Somatostatin acts as an inhibitory modulator, meaning it can block the secretion of other hormones. In the pancreas, delta cells release somatostatin, which inhibits the secretion of both insulin and glucagon from adjacent alpha and beta cells. This hormonal interplay is crucial for regulating nutrient flow in the body. Somatostatin also plays a role in the digestive system by inhibiting the secretion of stomach acid and digestive enzymes.1234

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4 Britannica Sources
  1. somatostatin
  2. islets of Langerhans
  3. human digestive system - Somatostatin
  4. human digestive system - Islet cells

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