What hormone is secreted by the Islets of Langerhans in the pancreas?

The hormone secreted by the Islets of Langerhans in the pancreas is insulin. The Islets of Langerhans are clusters of cells within the pancreas that have specialized functions. They contain several types of cells, including alpha cells, beta cells, and delta cells, each responsible for secreting different hormones.

Insulin is produced by the beta cells of the Islets of Langerhans and plays a critical role in regulating blood sugar levels. When blood glucose levels rise, such as after eating, insulin is released into the bloodstream. It facilitates the uptake of glucose by cells, especially in the liver, muscle, and fat tissues, allowing them to use glucose for energy or store it for future use.

Understanding the function of insulin is crucial for grasping how the body maintains homeostasis, particularly in managing energy balance and blood sugar levels. The other hormones secreted by the Islets of Langerhans, such as glucagon (produced by alpha cells) and somatostatin (produced by delta cells), have different roles in glucose metabolism and are not the primary hormone released in response to increased blood glucose levels.