AST Surgical Technologist Practice Exam

The islets of Langerhans secrete:

1. Glucagon

2. Insulin

3. Adrenaline

4. Cortisol

The correct answer is: Insulin

The islets of Langerhans are clusters of endocrine cells located in the pancreas that play a crucial role in blood glucose regulation. They primarily consist of several types of cells, with the main ones being alpha cells, which produce glucagon, and beta cells, which produce insulin. Insulin is a hormone that facilitates the uptake of glucose into cells, thus lowering blood sugar levels when they are elevated after food intake. This function is essential for maintaining homeostasis in the body, allowing cells to utilize glucose for energy. The secretion of insulin is particularly prominent in response to high blood sugar levels, making it a critical component of metabolic control. Other options listed, such as glucagon, adrenal hormones like adrenaline, and corticosteroids like cortisol, are not secrets of the islets of Langerhans. Glucagon, while produced by the pancreas, is secreted by the alpha cells within the islets rather than being the primary secretory function. Adrenaline and cortisol are secreted by the adrenal glands, which are anatomically and functionally distinct from the pancreas. Thus, the role of the islets of Langerhans in secreting insulin directly correlates to their central function in regulating blood glucose levels, making it