islands of langerhans
Definition
- Noun:
- Cell clusters in the pancreas: The "islands of Langerhans" are distinct groups of cells scattered throughout the pancreas.
- Endocrine function: These islands form the endocrine part of the pancreas, meaning they secrete hormones directly into the bloodstream.
- Hormone secretion: Their primary function is to secrete important hormones, including insulin, which regulates blood sugar levels.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- The islands of Langerhans are essential for maintaining glucose homeostasis in the body.
- Damage to the islands of Langerhans can lead to diseases like diabetes.
- Researchers are studying how to protect the cells within the islands of Langerhans.
Advanced Usage
- "Islets of Langerhans": This is a more common and precise synonym used in medical and scientific contexts.
- The islets of Langerhans constitute only 1-2% of the pancreatic mass.
Variants and Related Words
- Islets of Langerhans (n): The full and most technically accurate term for these pancreatic cell clusters.
- Pancreatic islets (n): A common abbreviated term.
- Beta cells (n): A specific type of cell within the islands of Langerhans that secretes insulin.
- Alpha cells (n): A specific type of cell within the islands of Langerhans that secretes glucagon.
Synonyms
- Islets of Langerhans: The direct synonym.
- Pancreatic islets: A descriptive synonym focusing on their location.
- Endocrine pancreas: A functional synonym describing this part of the organ's role.
Related Phrases
- Islet cell transplantation: A medical procedure involving the transplantation of cells from the islands of Langerhans.
- Islet cell transplantation is an experimental treatment for type 1 diabetes.
- Islet autoantibodies: Antibodies that mistakenly attack the islands of Langerhans, often present before the onset of type 1 diabetes.
Noun
-
cell clusters in the pancreas that form the endocrine part of that organ; secrete insulin and other hormones
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