Which cells in the pancreas produce insulin?

The cells in the pancreas responsible for producing insulin are the beta cells. These cells are located in the islets of Langerhans, which are clusters of cells scattered throughout the pancreas. Insulin is a crucial hormone that helps regulate blood glucose levels by facilitating the uptake of glucose into the body’s cells, particularly in muscle and fat tissues, and by inhibiting glucose production in the liver.

The function of beta cells is vital for maintaining homeostasis in the body’s metabolism. When blood glucose levels rise after eating, beta cells respond by secreting insulin, which plays a central role in lowering blood sugar levels. This precise regulation by the beta cells is essential for overall health, as dysfunction in these cells can lead to conditions like diabetes mellitus.

In contrast, alpha cells in the pancreas are responsible for producing glucagon, which raises blood glucose levels, while delta cells produce somatostatin, which regulates hormone secretion. Pancreatic acinar cells are involved in the exocrine function of the pancreas, producing digestive enzymes rather than hormones like insulin. This highlights the specific role of beta cells in the endocrine function of the pancreas, making them the correct answer to the question regarding insulin production.