Which hormone do alpha cells of the pancreas secrete?

Study for the Comprehensive Diabetes and Thyroid Disorders Test. Explore pathophysiology, symptoms, and management with detailed questions and explanations. Boost your knowledge and preparation with our comprehensive quiz!

Multiple Choice

Which hormone do alpha cells of the pancreas secrete?

Explanation:
Alpha cells in the pancreatic islets are the source of glucagon. This hormone rises blood glucose when it falls by signaling the liver to convert stored glycogen into glucose and to produce new glucose (glycogenolysis and gluconeogenesis). Insulin is produced by beta cells and lowers blood glucose, somatostatin comes from delta cells and helps regulate the balance between insulin and glucagon, and amylase is an exocrine digestive enzyme released into the gut, not a hormone. So the hormone secreted by alpha cells is glucagon.

Alpha cells in the pancreatic islets are the source of glucagon. This hormone rises blood glucose when it falls by signaling the liver to convert stored glycogen into glucose and to produce new glucose (glycogenolysis and gluconeogenesis). Insulin is produced by beta cells and lowers blood glucose, somatostatin comes from delta cells and helps regulate the balance between insulin and glucagon, and amylase is an exocrine digestive enzyme released into the gut, not a hormone. So the hormone secreted by alpha cells is glucagon.

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