Pancreatic islet cells include beta cells, which are the specific cells responsible for producing insulin. The islets of Langerhans in the pancreas contain several different types of cells, each with distinct functions:
- Beta cells: Produce and secrete insulin, a hormone that lowers blood glucose levels by promoting glucose uptake into cells and regulating carbohydrate and fat metabolism.
- Alpha cells: Produce glucagon, a hormone that raises blood glucose levels by stimulating the liver to release stored glucose.
- Delta cells: Produce somatostatin, which regulates the release of both insulin and glucagon.
- PP cells (Pancreatic Polypeptide cells): Produce pancreatic polypeptide, which helps regulate both the endocrine and exocrine functions of the pancreas.
- Epsilon cells: Produce ghrelin, which can stimulate appetite.
So, while beta cells are a type of islet cell, not all islet cells produce insulin. The term "islet cells" is a broader category that includes various cell types within the islets of Langerhans.
