ANATOMY

Detailed explanation-1: -While glucagon keeps blood glucose from dropping too low, insulin is produced to keep blood glucose from rising too high. The two hormones counterbalance each other to stabilize blood glucose. When blood glucose levels fall too low (low blood glucose), the pancreas pumps out more glucagon.

Detailed explanation-2: -Both insulin and glucagon are secreted from the pancreas, and thus are referred to as pancreatic endocrine hormones.

Detailed explanation-3: -The endocrine cells of the pancreas Groups of endocrine cells are found throughout the pancreas. They are called islets of Langerhans because they are scattered like small islands (“islets”) and were discovered by the pathologist Paul Langerhans. These groups of cells produce insulin, glucagon and other hormones.

Detailed explanation-4: -The main hormones secreted by the endocrine gland in the pancreas are insulin and glucagon, which regulate the level of glucose in the blood, and somatostatin, which prevents the release of insulin and glucagon.

Detailed explanation-5: -Insulin is released by the ‘beta cells’ in the islets of Langerhans in response to food. Its role is to lower glucose levels in the bloodstream and promote the storage of glucose in fat, muscle, liver and other body tissues. ‘Alpha cells’ in the islets of Langerhans produce another important hormone, glucagon.