islets of Langerhans

islands of Langerhans

/ (ˈlæŋəˌhæns) /

pl n

small groups of endocrine cells in the pancreas that secrete the hormones insulin and glucagon

Word Origin for islets of Langerhans

C19: named after Paul Langerhans (1847–88), German physician

Medical definitions for islets of langerhans

islets of Langerhans

pl.n.

Irregular clusters of endocrine cells scattered throughout the tissue of the pancreas that secrete insulin and glucagon. islands of Langerhans

Scientific definitions for islets of langerhans

islets of Langerhans
[ īlĭts əv längər-häns′ ]

Irregular clusters of endocrine cells that are scattered throughout the tissue of the pancreas. The islets of Langerhans contain cells that produce and secrete the hormones insulin and glucagon.