Pancreatic alpha cell


A type of cell found in areas within the pancreas called the islets of Langerhans. Alpha cells make and release glucagon, which raises the level of glucose (sugar) in the blood.

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    A type of cell in the pancreas that makes insulin. The pancreas is a fish-shaped organ that stretches across the back of the abdomen behind the stomach. Within the pancreas there are areas that are called the islets of Langerhans. The beta cells constitute the predominant type of cell in the islets. The beta cells […]

  • Pancreatic cancer

    A malignant tumor of the pancreas. Pancreatic cancer has been called a ‘silent’ disease because early pancreatic cancer usually does not cause symptoms. If the tumor blocks the common bile duct, and bile cannot pass into the digestive system, the skin and whites of the eyes may become yellow (jaundiced), and the urine may become […]

  • Pancreatic delta cell

    A type of cell located in tissue that is called the islets of Langerhans in the pancreas. Delta cells make somatostatin, a hormone that inhibits the release of numerous hormones in the body.

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    Not enough of the digestive enzymes normally secreted by the pancreas into the intestine. Pancreatic insufficiency is a hallmark of cystic fibrosis. The pancreas is a spongy, tube-shaped organ about 6 inches long. It is located in the back of the abdomen, behind the stomach. The head of the pancreas is on the right side […]

  • Pancreatic juices

    Fluids made by the pancreas that contain digestive enzymes. The pancreas is a spongy, tube-shaped organ about 6 inches long. It is located in the back of the abdomen, behind the stomach. The head of the pancreas is on the right side of the abdomen. It is connected to the duodenum, the upper end of […]


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