Insulin
Insulin is produced by the beta cells of the islets of Langerhans in the pancreas. Beta cells detect a rise in the blood glucose concentration and secrete insulin into the blood. Te secretion of glucagon is inhibited. Almost all body cells except red blood cells have a glycoprotein insulin receptor on their cell surface membrane.

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Key terms in this lesson
- Glycogenesis
- The conversion of excess glucose to glycogen for storage, mainly in the liver and muscles.
- Islets of Langerhans
- Groups of endocrine cells in the pancreas containing alpha cells, which secrete glucagon, and beta cells, which secrete insulin.
- Glucagon
- A hormone secreted by alpha cells of the islets of Langerhans in response to low blood glucose concentration that raises blood glucose concentration.
More in Hormonal Communication
- The Adrenal Glands
- Adrenal Cortex
- Adrenal Medulla
- Pancreas
- Blood glucose concentration
- Glucagon
- Mechanism of Insulin Secretion
- Diabetes Mellitus
All 11 lessons in Hormonal Communication · All OCR A-level Biology topics