Beta cell

Beta cell
Details
LocationPancreatic islet
FunctionInsulin secretion
Identifiers
Latinendocrinocytus B; insulinocytus
THH3.04.02.0.00026
FMA85704
Anatomical terms of microanatomy
Beta cells manufacture and release the hormone insulin into the bloodstream, which stimulates the uptake of glucose by other cells in the body.
Human pancreatic islet by immunostaining. Nuclei of cells are shown in blue (DAPI). Beta cells are shown in green (Insulin), Delta cells are shown in white (Somatostatin).

Beta cells (β-cells) are specialized endocrine cells located within the pancreatic islets of Langerhans responsible for the production and release of insulin and amylin. Constituting ~50–70% of cells in human islets, beta cells play a vital role in maintaining blood glucose levels. Problems with beta cells can lead to disorders such as diabetes.

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