LANGERHANS ISLANDS Meaning and
Definition
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Langerhans Islands, also known as islets of Langerhans, refer to specialized clusters of cells found in the pancreas. Named after Paul Langerhans, the German pathologist who discovered them in 1869, Langerhans Islands play a crucial role in the regulation of blood sugar levels and overall metabolic function.
Composed of different types of cells, including alpha, beta, delta, and gamma cells, Langerhans Islands are responsible for producing and releasing various hormones that help control blood sugar levels. Among these cells, beta cells are particularly significant as they secrete insulin, a hormone essential for glucose metabolism. Insulin helps transport glucose from the bloodstream into cells for energy production, thereby regulating blood sugar levels within a healthy range.
Apart from beta cells, alpha cells in the Langerhans Islands produce glucagon, a hormone that raises blood sugar levels by stimulating the liver to convert stored glycogen into glucose. Additionally, delta cells release somatostatin, which works to regulate the release of insulin and glucagon.
The disruption or dysfunction of Langerhans Islands can lead to a range of metabolic disorders, the most common being type 1 and type 2 diabetes. In type 1 diabetes, the immune system mistakenly destroys the insulin-producing beta cells, resulting in insufficient or no insulin production. Type 2 diabetes, on the other hand, occurs when the body becomes resistant to the effects of insulin or fails to produce enough of it.
In summary, Langerhans Islands are specialized cellular clusters in the pancreas that play a vital role in regulating blood sugar levels through the secretion of various hormones, notably insulin, glucagon, and somatostatin.
Common Misspellings for LANGERHANS ISLANDS
- kangerhans islands
- pangerhans islands
- oangerhans islands
- lzngerhans islands
- lsngerhans islands
- lwngerhans islands
- lqngerhans islands
- labgerhans islands
- lamgerhans islands
- lajgerhans islands
- lahgerhans islands
- lanferhans islands
- lanverhans islands
- lanberhans islands
- lanherhans islands
- lanyerhans islands
- lanterhans islands
- langwrhans islands
- langsrhans islands
- langdrhans islands
Etymology of LANGERHANS ISLANDS
The term "Langerhans Islands" is not commonly used in scientific literature. However, it seems like you may be referring to the "Islets of Langerhans". These islets are clusters of cells in the pancreas that play a vital role in the regulation of blood glucose levels.
The term "Islets of Langerhans" was coined by a German pathologist named Paul Langerhans in 1869. Langerhans observed and described these clusters of cells while working as an assistant at the University of Berlin. He named them after himself, which is why they are called the "Islets of Langerhans".
It is important to note that the term "Islets of Langerhans" is the more widely recognized and used term, while "Langerhans Islands" appears to be a less common or possibly erroneous variation.
