The islets of Langerhans, which secrete insulin, are located in

The islets of Langerhans, vital for insulin secretion, are situated in the (c) Pancreas. Named after the German pathologist Paul Langerhans who discovered them in 1869, these clusters of cells are scattered throughout the pancreas. They constitute approximately 1-2% of the pancreas’s mass and are responsible for regulating blood sugar levels by producing hormones such as insulin and glucagon.
Insulin, primarily synthesized by beta cells within the islets, facilitates the uptake of glucose from the bloodstream into cells, thereby lowering blood sugar levels. This hormone plays a crucial role in metabolism, energy regulation, and the storage of nutrients. When blood sugar levels rise, such as after a meal, insulin secretion increases to help cells absorb glucose for energy or storage.
The pancreas, located behind the stomach and adjacent to the duodenum, is an essential organ with both endocrine and exocrine functions. In addition to producing hormones like insulin, it also secretes digestive enzymes into the small intestine to aid in the digestion of food.