Which cells secrete glucagon?

Which cells secrete glucagon?

• A. Alpha cells
• B. Beta cells
• C. Delta cells
• D. Acinar cells

Answer: (A)

Glucagon is secreted by alpha cells in the pancreatic islets. Its main role is to raise blood glucose when levels are low, by stimulating the liver to break down glycogen (glycogenolysis) and to produce glucose from non-carbohydrate sources (gluconeogenesis). This counter-regulates insulin, which is released by beta cells to lower blood glucose after meals. Delta cells secrete somatostatin to modulate islet hormone activity, and acinar cells are part of the exocrine pancreas that secrete digestive enzymes, not hormones. So the cells that secrete glucagon are the alpha cells.

Glucagon is secreted by alpha cells in the pancreatic islets. Its main role is to raise blood glucose when levels are low, by stimulating the liver to break down glycogen (glycogenolysis) and to produce glucose from non-carbohydrate sources (gluconeogenesis). This counter-regulates insulin, which is released by beta cells to lower blood glucose after meals. Delta cells secrete somatostatin to modulate islet hormone activity, and acinar cells are part of the exocrine pancreas that secrete digestive enzymes, not hormones. So the cells that secrete glucagon are the alpha cells.