The nurse is reviewing the function of the pancreas with a patient who is newly diagnosed with diabetes mellitus. When discussing this organ's function, on which cell types should the nurse focus?

Question

Select all that apply.

1. f cells
2. beta cells
3. delta cells
4. alpha cells
5. omega cells

Answer 1

Correct Answer: 2, 3, 4
Beta cells produce insulin, which facilitates the uptake and use of glucose by muscle, liver, and fat cells and prevents an excessive breakdown of glycogen in the liver and muscle. Delta cells secrete somatostatin, which inhibits the secretion of glucagon and insulin by the alpha and beta cells. Alpha cells produce glucagon, which decreases glucose oxidation and promotes an increase in the blood glucose level by signaling the liver to release glucose from glycogen stores. F cells secrete pancreatic polypeptide, which is believed to inhibit the exocrine activity of the pancreas and has no impact on the regulation of blood glucose. The pancreas does not have omega cells.