Delta cell
Delta cell
Delta cells (also known as D cells or somatostatin-secreting cells) are a type of cell in the pancreas that produce and secrete the hormone somatostatin.
Pronunciation
Delta cell: /ˈdɛltə sɛl/
Etymology
The term "Delta cell" is derived from the fourth letter of the Greek alphabet, delta (Δ), which is used in the field of biology to denote the fourth discovered type of a particular cell or species.
Function
Delta cells make up about 5-10% of the cells in the Islets of Langerhans, clusters of cells in the pancreas. They are responsible for producing the hormone somatostatin, which inhibits the secretion of other hormones such as insulin and glucagon from the beta cells and alpha cells respectively in the pancreas. This helps to regulate the body's glucose levels.
Related Terms
- Pancreas: An organ in the digestive system that produces important hormones including insulin, glucagon, and somatostatin.
- Somatostatin: A hormone that inhibits the secretion of several other hormones in the body.
- Islets of Langerhans: Clusters of cells in the pancreas that contain several types of cells, including alpha cells, beta cells, and delta cells.
- Insulin: A hormone produced by beta cells in the pancreas that regulates the amount of glucose in the blood.
- Glucagon: A hormone produced by alpha cells in the pancreas that raises blood glucose levels.
- Alpha cell: A type of cell in the pancreas that produces and secretes the hormone glucagon.
- Beta cell: A type of cell in the pancreas that produces and secretes the hormone insulin.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Delta cell
- Wikipedia's article - Delta cell
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