Question

Glucagon is secreted by

• A. $\beta$-cells of Islets of Langerhans
• B. $\alpha$-cells of Islets of Langerhans
• C. $\gamma$-cells of Islets of Langerhans
• D. $\delta$-cells of Islets of Langerhans

Answer 1

The correct option is B $\alpha$-cells of Islets of Langerhans

• The pancreas has both endocrine and exocrine glands.
• The endocrine part of the pancreas is small (is only 1-2% of pancreatic tissue) is made of 1-2 million Islets of Langerhans.
• Islets of Langerhans are made of the $\alpha$-cells (25%) and the $\beta$-cells (60%), the $\delta$-cells (10%) and pancreatic polypeptide cells or the $\gamma$-cells.
• $\alpha$-cells produce glucagon, the $\beta$-cells produce insulin, $\gamma$-cells secrete the pancreatic polypeptide and the $\delta$-cells secrete the somatostatin. The function of the pancreatic polypeptide cells is not known