Pancreatic Islets

Pancreatic islets, also known as islets of Langerhans, are small clusters of cells within the pancreas that play a crucial role in regulating blood sugar levels. They contain different types of cells, including alpha cells that produce glucagon (which raises blood sugar) and beta cells that produce insulin (which lowers blood sugar). These hormones work together to maintain the body's energy balance, ensuring that cells receive the right amount of glucose. When the islets don't function properly, it can lead to conditions like diabetes. Thus, they are essential for metabolic health.