Which type of cells in the pancreas produce insulin?

Appeared in: Raj. CHO - 2023

Explanation

The pancreas contains clusters of endocrine cells known as the Islets of Langerhans.
These islets are composed of several cell types, including alpha, beta, delta, and PP cells.
The beta (β) cells, which make up about 60% of the islet cells, are specifically responsible for producing and secreting the hormone insulin.
Insulin is essential for regulating blood glucose by helping cells absorb glucose from the blood for energy.

Option B: Germ cells are reproductive cells (sperm and ova) located in the gonads, not the pancreas. They are involved in creating a new organism.
Option C: Squamous cells are flat, scale-like cells that form the lining of surfaces like the skin, mouth, and esophagus. They do not produce hormones in the pancreas.
Option D: While islet cells are a type of specialized epithelial cell, this term is too general. The question asks for the specific type of cell, and 'Islet cells' is the precise answer among the choices.

Visual 1: Diagram - An illustration of the pancreas showing the location of the Islets of Langerhans. A magnified inset should detail the different cell types within an islet (Alpha, Beta, Delta cells) and their proximity to blood capillaries.

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 origin of insulin is fundamental to comprehending diabetes. In Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus, the body's immune system destroys the beta cells in the islets, leading to an absolute insulin deficiency.
Nurses educate patients on insulin therapy, and knowing that the pancreas normally produces it helps explain why injections are needed when the beta cells fail.
A nurse must be vigilant for signs of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). This can be caused by an overdose of insulin medication or, rarely, by a tumor of the beta cells (insulinoma) that causes excessive insulin secretion.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key concepts in the question: the organ ('pancreas') and the substance produced ('insulin').
Recall the dual functions of the pancreas: exocrine (digestive) and endocrine (hormonal). Insulin is a hormone, so focus on the endocrine function.
Remember that the endocrine cells of the pancreas are grouped into clusters. The name for these clusters is the 'Islets of Langerhans'.
Scan the options. 'Islet cells' directly relates to the Islets of Langerhans.
Evaluate the other options to confirm your choice. Germ cells are for reproduction, and squamous cells are for lining tissues. Epithelial cells are too general. Therefore, 'Islet cells' is the most accurate and specific answer.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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Practise the full Raj. CHO - 2023

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