Islets of langerhans present in?

Appeared in: HPSSC Staff Nurse - 2021

Explanation

The Islets of Langerhans are the endocrine component of the pancreas.
These cell clusters are responsible for producing and secreting hormones directly into the bloodstream to regulate blood sugar.
Key hormones produced include insulin from beta cells, which lowers blood glucose, and glucagon from alpha cells, which raises it.
The pancreas is unique as it functions as both an endocrine gland (Islets of Langerhans) and an exocrine gland (acinar cells for digestion).

Option A: The brain's endocrine function is managed by the hypothalamus and pituitary gland, not by Islets of Langerhans.
Option B: The stomach contains gastric glands that secrete digestive enzymes and hormones like gastrin, but it does not have Islets of Langerhans.
Option C: The ovary is a reproductive organ that produces sex hormones such as estrogen and progesterone.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Anatomy and physiology of the endocrine system, specifically the location and function of the Islets of Langerhans as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Understanding the function of the Islets of Langerhans is fundamental to understanding Diabetes Mellitus.
In Type 1 Diabetes, the body's immune system destroys the insulin-producing beta cells in the islets.
In Type 2 Diabetes, the body's cells become resistant to the effects of insulin, or the beta cells cannot produce enough insulin to overcome the resistance.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key term in the question stem: 'Islets of Langerhans'.
This is a factual recall question that requires knowledge of anatomy and physiology.
Access your memory of the endocrine system and the organs involved.
Associate the Islets of Langerhans with their specific organ, the pancreas, which has both endocrine and exocrine functions.
Evaluate the given options. Eliminate the brain, stomach, and ovary as they have different primary endocrine or digestive functions.
Select 'Pancreas' as the correct location for the Islets of Langerhans.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Anatomy and physiology of the endocrine system, specifically the location and function of the Islets of Langerhans.
Stem keywords: Islets of langerhans
Lead-in keywords: present in
Negative lead-in flag: false

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E6 Anatomy Applied Ashalatha 4e p. 143-145

E6 Anatomy BDChaurasia V2 10e Part 2 p. 76-78

Practise the full HPSSC Staff Nurse - 2021

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