What is the root word for pancreatic islet cells?

The root word for pancreatic islet cells is "insul/o." This root comes from the Latin word "insula," which means "island." Pancreatic islets, also known as islets of Langerhans, are clusters of cells in the pancreas that play a crucial role in glucose metabolism by secreting hormones like insulin and glucagon. The name reflects the isolated nature of these cell groups within the pancreas, much like islands in a sea.

Understanding this terminology helps clarify the function and importance of these cells in the endocrine system. The other root words refer to different anatomical structures or organs: "gastr/o" relates to the stomach, "hepat/o" pertains to the liver, and "pancreat/o" is associated with the pancreas as a whole rather than specifically denoting the islet cells.