Endocrine Pancreas Function Quiz

What is the primary function of beta (β) cells in the endocrine pancreas?

Which cell type is responsible for producing glucagon in the pancreas?

What hormone is produced by delta (δ) cells and what is its primary role?

Which of the following hormones is associated with increasing gastrointestinal activity?

In addition to insulin and glucagon, which hormone contributes to the regulation of digestion?

Which rare cell type produces serotonin and is linked to carcinoid syndrome?

Endocrine Pancreas Overview

Composed of islets of Langerhans, which house different cell types with unique functions.
Plays a crucial role in regulating blood sugar levels and digestion.

Major Cell Types

Beta (β) Cells:
- Produce insulin.
- Lowers blood sugar by facilitating glucose utilization by cells.
Alpha (α) Cells:
- Produce glucagon.
- Raises blood sugar levels by prompting liver to release stored glucose.
Delta (δ) Cells:
- Produce somatostatin.
- Regulates release of insulin and glucagon to maintain balance.
PP Cells:
- Produce pancreatic polypeptide.
- Influences digestion by affecting enzyme secretion and gut motility.

Rare Cell Types

D1 Cells:
- Produce vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP).
- Increases blood sugar and can cause diarrhea.
Enterochromaffin Cells:
- Produce serotonin.
- Associated with carcinoid syndrome tumors.

Disorders Associated with Endocrine Pancreas

Diabetes Mellitus:
- Caused by dysfunction of insulin (β cells) or glucagon (α cells) regulation.
Pancreatic Endocrine Tumors:
- Abnormal growths affecting hormones and their functions in the pancreas.

Test your knowledge on the functions of the endocrine pancreas and its islets of Langerhans. This quiz covers the roles of different cell types including alpha, beta, and delta cells, as well as the PP cells. Understand how these cells contribute to blood sugar regulation.