See Also: Beta Cell(health)
beta cell(medicine)
Beta cell, pancreatic(health)
Cell, beta (pancreatic)(health)
genes, T-cell receptor beta(medicine)
beta-cell src-homology tyrosine kinase(medicine)
receptors, antigen, T-cell, alpha-beta(medicine)
gene rearrangement, beta-chain T-cell antigen receptor(medicine)
Herbal medicine (botanical medicine, herbology, phytomedicine)(health)
beta-1,3-galactosyl-O-glycosyl-glycoprotein beta-1,6-acetylglucosaminyl transferase(medicine)

beta cell (medicine)


beta cell


1. <pathology> Cells of the pancreas within discrete endocrine islands (Islets of Langerhans) embedded in the major exocrine tissue of vertebrate pancreas.

The B or beta cells (originally distinguished by differential staining from A, C and D), are responsible for synthesis and secretion of insulin, a hormone that controls the level of glucosein the blood.

2. Also refers to the beta cells of the anterior lobe of hypophysis. These are a population of functionally diverse cell's that contain basophilic granules and secrete hormones such as ACTH, lipotropin, thyrotropin, and the gonadotropins.

Synonym: basophil cell of anterior lobe of hypophysis.