Which pancreatic cell primarily secretes somatostatin?

The pancreatic cell that primarily secretes somatostatin is the delta cell. Somatostatin plays a crucial role in regulating the endocrine system and maintaining homeostasis. Specifically, it inhibits the secretion of both insulin and glucagon, thereby helping to coordinate the overall balance of glucose and metabolic processes in the body.

By limiting insulin release from the beta cells and glucagon release from the alpha cells, somatostatin contributes to the regulation of glucose levels in the blood, preventing spikes that could lead to hyperglycemia. The action of somatostatin also extends to influencing the digestive system by inhibiting gastric secretion and slowing gastrointestinal motility, further emphasizing its role in controlling various physiological processes.

In contrast, alpha cells are responsible for secreting glucagon, beta cells secrete insulin, and epsilon cells (though less common and not typically emphasized) are involved in the secretion of the hormone ghrelin. Understanding the specific functions of each type of pancreatic cell is essential for grasping how the pancreas plays a pivotal role in maintaining metabolic balance.