isles of Langerhans

1 7.4

Groups of cells in the pancreas that make insulin to control blood sugar

noun
/ˈaɪlz əv ˈlæŋɡərhænz/

Specialized

: islotes de Langerhans

The isles of Langerhans play a crucial role in regulating blood sugar levels.

Examples

Damage to the isles of Langerhans can lead to insufficient insulin production.
Researchers are studying the isles of Langerhans to better understand diabetes.
The isles of Langerhans are crucial for regulating blood sugar levels.
Can you explain the function of the isles of Langerhans?
Damage to the isles of Langerhans can lead to insufficient insulin production.
Researchers are studying the isles of Langerhans to better understand diabetes.
The isles of Langerhans play a crucial role in regulating blood sugar levels.

Synonyms

islets of Langerhans

vsisles of Langerhans

Specialized

1 7.2

Small groups of cells in the pancreas that make hormones like insulin

lists insulin and other hormones as produced by these cells

islands of Langerhans

vsisles of Langerhans

Specialized

6.8

Groups of special cells in the pancreas make insulin and other hormones to control blood sugar

focuses on insulin and other hormones rather than blood sugar regulation

Surface Forms

isles of Langerhans singular

isles of Langerhans plural

Morphology

isles + of + Langerhans

This is an eponymous medical term: knowing 'isles' (islands) and the name 'Langerhans' does not allow a B1 learner to infer that it refers to microscopic clusters of hormone-producing pancreatic cells. The specialized, technical metaphorical use of 'isles/islets' for cell-groupings requires domain knowledge, so the meaning is not compositional or predictable from the constituents.

Etymology

Isles of Langerhans is named after the scientist Paul Langerhans and gives a picture of small isles (little islands) of cells inside the 'pancreas'. These tiny cell 'islands' make and release 'insulin', so the name means the 'groups of cells' that produce 'insulin'.