Health Dictionary
Reliable, easy-to-read patient information on common medical conditions — written in plain language, free of jargon, and grounded in current evidence. Browse the most frequent diagnoses, understand what they mean for everyday life, and learn which steps and questions help you have a focused conversation with your doctor.
Delta cell
Introduction
Overview
Overview
Delta cells (δ-cells or D cells) are somatostatin producing cells.
They can be found in the stomach, intestine and the Islets of Langerhans in the pancreas.
In rodents delta-cells are located in the periphery of the islets; in humans the islet architecture is generally less organized and delta-cells are frequently observed inside the islets as well.
In the electron microscope, delta-cells can be identified as cells with smaller and slightly more compact granules than beta cells.
Clinical significance
Clinical significance
A tumor of the delta cells is called a “somatostatinoma“.
External links
External links
- D+Cells at the US National Library of Medicine Medical Subject Headings (MeSH)
- Template:EMedicineDictionary
- Template:Dorlands
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]