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What is the function of the islets of Langerhans?Group of answer choicesThey are an island archipelago off mainland India.The cells within the islets are the central control mechanism for the regulation of blood glucose.They take up glucose and release it when needed.They release insulin in response to low blood sugar.

Question

What is the function of the islets of Langerhans?Group of answer choicesThey are an island archipelago off mainland India.The cells within the islets are the central control mechanism for the regulation of blood glucose.They take up glucose and release it when needed.They release insulin in response to low blood sugar.

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Solution

The Islets of Langerhans, named after the German physician Paul Langerhans, are tiny clusters of cells scattered throughout the pancreas. They have a crucial role in the regulation of blood glucose levels, which is vital for our body's proper functioning.

The Islets of Langerhans are composed of several types of cells, including alpha cells, beta cells, delta cells, and PP cells. Each of these cells produces a different type of hormone.

  1. Alpha cells produce glucagon, which raises the level of glucose (sugar) in the blood.
  2. Beta cells produce insulin, which lowers the level of glucose in the blood.
  3. Delta cells produce somatostatin, which regulates the functions of alpha and beta cells.
  4. PP cells produce pancreatic polypeptide, which regulates the functions of both exocrine and endocrine pancreas.

So, the primary function of the Islets of Langerhans is to maintain the body's blood glucose balance. They do this by releasing insulin when blood sugar levels are high, for example, after a meal. This insulin helps cells throughout the body absorb glucose and use it for energy.

When blood sugar levels are low, the alpha cells in the islets release glucagon. This hormone signals the liver to release stored glucose into the bloodstream, raising blood sugar levels.

Therefore, the correct answer to your question is: "The cells within the islets are the central control mechanism for the regulation of blood glucose. They release insulin in response to high blood sugar."

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Similar Questions

What is the function of the islets of Langerhans?

Name the cell types present in the islets of Langerhans

Insulin is synthesised in the: Group of answer choices β-cells of the islets of Langerhans in the pancreas α-cells of the islets of Langerhans in the pancreas adrenal medulla adrenal cortex liver

Insulin functions by facilitating the uptake of glucose by: (1 Point)a) Liver cellsb) Muscle cellsc) Fat cellsd) All of the above

Considering the regulation of blood glucose concentration, which of the following statements is accurate?The pancreas is an effector.High blood glucose concentration is a receptor.The beta cells of the islets of Langerhans are a stimulus.The liver is an effector.

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