Question

In the human pancreas, which cell types secrete insulin and glucagon?

• A. Alpha cells and delta cells, respectively
• B. Beta cells and delta cells, respectively
• C. Alpha cells and beta cells, respectively
• D. Beta cells and alpha cells, respectively

Hint:

Use a mnemonic to remember: **I**nsulin comes from **B**eta cells. **G**lucagon comes from **A**lpha cells (think "A" for "adds" sugar to blood).

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Understanding the Question:
The question asks to identify the specific cells in the human pancreas responsible for secreting the hormones insulin and glucagon, in that respective order.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
The pancreas contains clusters of endocrine cells called the Islets of Langerhans. These islets contain several types of cells, each responsible for producing a specific hormone that regulates blood sugar levels.

• Beta (\(\beta\)) cells: These are the most abundant cells in the islets. They produce and secrete insulin. Insulin lowers blood glucose levels by promoting the uptake of glucose by cells and the storage of glucose as glycogen in the liver and muscles.
  
• Alpha (\(\alpha\)) cells: These cells produce and secrete glucagon. Glucagon has the opposite effect of insulin; it raises blood glucose levels by stimulating the liver to break down glycogen (glycogenolysis) and synthesize glucose from other sources (gluconeogenesis).
  
• Delta (\(\delta\)) cells: These cells secrete somatostatin, a hormone that inhibits the release of both insulin and glucagon.
  

The question asks for the cells that secrete insulin and glucagon, respectively. Therefore, the correct answer is Beta cells and Alpha cells.
Step 3: Final Answer:
Insulin is secreted by Beta cells, and glucagon is secreted by Alpha cells.