Cells in the pancreas that produce insulin are :

Appeared in: IGNOU PB Bsc Entrance-2023

Explanation

The pancreas has both exocrine (digestive) and endocrine (hormonal) functions.
The endocrine functions are carried out by clusters of specialized cells known as the Islets of Langerhans, or islet cells.
Within these islets, beta (β) cells are specifically responsible for synthesizing and secreting insulin.
Insulin is a key hormone that lowers blood glucose levels by facilitating the uptake of glucose into body cells.

Option A: Epithelial cells are primarily lining and covering cells. While they line the pancreatic ducts, they do not have an endocrine function to produce hormones like insulin.
Option C: Hepatic cells, or hepatocytes, are the primary functional cells of the liver, not the pancreas. Their main roles are in metabolism, detoxification, and bile production.
Option D: Germ cells are reproductive cells (sperm in males, ova in females) involved in creating a new organism. They have no role in metabolic regulation or insulin production.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Endocrine function of the pancreas and insulin production as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Understanding the function of islet cells is fundamental to understanding Diabetes Mellitus. In Type 1 Diabetes, the body's immune system destroys the beta cells, leading to an absolute insulin deficiency.
In Type 2 Diabetes, the body either doesn't produce enough insulin or the body's cells become resistant to insulin's effects.
Nurses play a critical role in managing diabetes, which includes administering insulin, monitoring blood glucose levels, and educating patients about diet, exercise, and medication.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key terms in the question: 'pancreas' and 'produce insulin'.
This is a factual recall question from anatomy and physiology.
Recall the dual function of the pancreas: exocrine (digestion) and endocrine (hormones).
Remember that insulin is a hormone that regulates blood sugar.
Connect the endocrine function to the specific cell clusters in the pancreas, the Islets of Langerhans (islet cells).
Evaluate the options: eliminate cells from other organs (hepatic/liver cells) or with different functions (epithelial/lining cells, germ/reproductive cells) to arrive at the correct answer.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Physiology Guyton 4SAE Part 3 p. 1

E6 Pathology- ROBBINS & COTRAN PATHOLOGIC BASIS OF DISEASE 10TH Ed p. 1096-1098

E6 Histology Inderbir 11e p. 64-66

Practise the full IGNOU PB Bsc Entrance-2023

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.