Beta cell, pancreatic
Beta cell, pancreatic: A type of cell in the pancreas (the organ of the digestive system located behind the stomach). Within the pancreas, the beta cells are located in areas called the islets of Langerhans. They constitute the predominant type of cell in the islets. The beta cells are important because they make insulin. Degeneration of the beta cells is the main cause of type I (insulin-dependent) diabetes mellitus.
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- Beta cell
Beta cell: A type of cell in the pancreas. Within the pancreas, the beta cells are located in areas called the islets of Langerhans where they constitute the predominant type of cell. The beta cells make and release insulin, a hormone that controls the level of glucose (sugar) in the blood. Degeneration of the beta […]
- Beta error
Beta error: The statistical error (said to be ‘of the second kind,’ or type II) that is made in testing when it is concluded that something is negative when it really is positive. Also known as false negative.
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Beta particle: An electron ejected from the nucleus of a decaying atom. Although beta particles can be stopped by a thin sheet of aluminum, they can penetrate the dead skin layer, potentially causing burns. They can pose a serious direct or external radiation threat and can be lethal depending on the amount received. They also […]
- Beta-agonist
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- Beta-secretase
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