Which hormones are secreted by the Islets of Langerhans of the pancreas?

Appeared in: MP CHO-2020

Explanation

The Islets of Langerhans are clusters of endocrine cells within the pancreas.
They contain multiple cell types, including alpha (α), beta (β), and delta (δ) cells.
Beta cells secrete insulin, which lowers blood glucose.
Alpha cells secrete glucagon, which raises blood glucose.
Delta cells secrete somatostatin, which inhibits the release of both insulin and glucagon.
Therefore, insulin, glucagon, and somatostatin are all hormones secreted by the Islets of Langerhans.

Option A: This option is incomplete. While insulin and glucagon are major hormones from the Islets of Langerhans, it omits somatostatin, which is also secreted by the delta cells within the islets.
Option C: This option incorrectly includes ACTH (Adrenocorticotropic hormone). ACTH is secreted by the anterior pituitary gland, not the pancreas. Its function is to stimulate the adrenal glands.
Option D: Similar to the previous option, this one incorrectly includes ACTH. ACTH is a hormone of the anterior pituitary gland, not the pancreas.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Hormones of the Islets of Langerhans as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Understanding the hormones of the pancreas is fundamental to managing diabetes mellitus, a condition characterized by insulin deficiency or resistance.
Nurses must be able to recognize signs of both hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) and hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) and initiate appropriate interventions, such as administering insulin or providing a source of glucose.
Glucagon is used in emergency situations to treat severe hypoglycemia in unconscious patients, as it stimulates the liver to release stored glucose.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key terms in the question: 'hormones' and 'Islets of Langerhans of the pancreas'. This directs you to the endocrine function of the pancreas.
Recall the different cell types within the Islets of Langerhans and the specific hormone each one secretes.
Alpha cells secrete glucagon.
Beta cells secrete insulin.
Delta cells secrete somatostatin.
Evaluate each option. Eliminate any option that includes a hormone not produced by the pancreas, such as ACTH, which is from the pituitary gland.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Physiology Guyton 4SAE Part 3 p. 1

E6 Physiology Essentials Sembulingam 10e Part 2 pp. 67-69, 66-68

Practise the full MP CHO-2020

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