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islets of Langerhans
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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. Ball-and-stick molecular model of insulin, with clusters of multicolored spheres representing atoms, connected and outlined in yellow against a dark background. Major glands of the human endocrine system. The hypothalamus stimulates the pituitary gland and influences food intake, weight regulation, fluid intake and balance, thirst, body heat, and the sleep cycle. Pituitary hormones stimulate growth, egg and sperm development, milk secretion, and release of hormones by other glands. The pineal gland may play a significant role in sexual maturation and the circadian rhythm. Thyroid hormones regulate the metabolic rate of tissues, stimulate the contraction of heart muscle, and are necessary for normal growth and brain development before birth and during infancy. Parathyroid hormone regulates calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium levels. The adrenal glands regulate salt and water retention, some reactions of the immune system, and blood pressure. The islets of Langerhans regulate blood sugar levels. The ovaries and testes produce hormones that regulate the reproductive system and that produce male and female secondary sex characteristics.
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islets of Langerhans: References & Edit History

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  • The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica
    Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree. They write new content and verify and edit content received from contributors.

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  • Stella Kleinman
    Stella Kleinman was an editorial intern at Encyclopædia Britannica for the summer of 2024. She plans to graduate from Brown University in 2025 with bachelor’s degrees in English and international affairs.

Other Encyclopedia Britannica Contributors

Article History

Type Description Contributor Date
Article revised to expand discussion of the types of cells in the islets of Langerhans. Jun 14, 2024
Add new Web site: National Library of Medicine - Physiology, Islets of Langerhans. Aug 13, 2022
Added an illustration of insulin. May 26, 2020
Corrected display issue. Jul 11, 2018
Added new Web site: HealthCentral.com - Islets of Langerhans. May 04, 2009
New illustration added. Jan 15, 2009
Article revised and updated. Jun 12, 2007
Article added to new online database. Jul 20, 1998
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