Explain the actions of two hormones of the islets of Langerhans on the level of glucose in the blood. What is the consequence of insulin insufficiency or insensitivity as in the disease diabetes mellitus?

Human Anatomy & Physiology (11th Edition)
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ISBN:9780134580999
Author:Elaine N. Marieb, Katja N. Hoehn
Publisher:Elaine N. Marieb, Katja N. Hoehn
Chapter1: The Human Body: An Orientation
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Explain the actions of two hormones of the islets of Langerhans on the level of glucose in the blood. What is the consequence of insulin insufficiency or insensitivity as in the disease diabetes mellitus?

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Step 1

The digestive system and endocrine system of vertebrates are known to contain a gland that serves the functions of a gland are known as the pancreas. It acts as both, an exocrine and endocrine function that functions to maintain the blood sugar level and secretes pancreatic juice respectively. 

 

Step 2

The islets of Langerhans are otherwise known as pancreatic islets. These are actively involved in the process of glucose metabolism and occupies almost 1-2% of the total volume of the pancreas. 

The two hormones of the islets of Langerhans that works on the level of glucose in the blood are alpha cells and beta cells. The former secretes glucagon in contrast to the latter that secrets insulin. Glucagon is a catabolic hormone and function to increase the concentration of glucose and fatty acids in the bloodstream.
Besides, insulin is an anabolic hormone that the absorption of glucose from the blood into the liver, fat, and skeletal muscle cells.

 

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