islets

/ˈaɪləts/ /ˈaɪlɪts/

Meanings

noun

A small island

Examples :

"The small islets off the coast were popular spots for families to have picnics. "

geography environment

noun

An isolated piece of tissue that has a specific function

Examples :

"In the pancreas, islets of Langerhans are responsible for producing insulin, a hormone that regulates blood sugar. "

organ physiology medicine anatomy biology

Related Words

families noun

/ˈfæməliz/

A group of people who are closely related to one another (by blood, marriage or adoption); kin; for example, a set of parents and their children; an immediate family.

"Our family lives in town."

isolated verb

/ˈaɪsəleɪtɪd/

To set apart or cut off from others.

"The teacher isolated the student who was disruptive, placing him in a separate room. "

function noun

/ˈfʌŋ(k)ʃən/ /ˈfʌŋkʃən/

What something does or is used for.

"The function of a school lunch is to provide students with nutrition. "

responsible noun

/ɹɪˈspɒnsəbl̩/ /ɹɪˈspɑnsəbl̩/

The individual who bears the responsibility for something.

"The responsible for the project is Maria. "

regulates verb

/ˈrɛɡjəˌleɪts/ /ˈrɛɡjəˌleɪtəs/

To dictate policy.

"The school board regulates student behavior through a strict code of conduct. "

specific noun

/spəˈsɪf.ɪk/

A distinguishing attribute or quality.

"The specific of her success was her dedication to studying. "

producing verb

/pɹəˈdjuːsɪŋ/ /pɹəˈdusɪŋ/

To yield, make or manufacture; to generate.

"The factory is producing thousands of cars every month. "

popular noun

/ˈpɒpjʊlə/ /ˈpɑpjələɹ/

A person who is popular, especially at a school.

insulin noun

/ˈɪnsjʊlin/ /ˈɪnsəlɪn/

A polypeptide hormone that regulates carbohydrate metabolism.

"My grandfather takes insulin to help control his blood sugar levels. "

hormone noun

/ˈhɔːməʊn/ /ˈhɔːɹmoʊn/

Any substance produced by one tissue and conveyed by the bloodstream to another to effect physiological activity.

"The hormone adrenaline was released into her bloodstream, causing her heart to race as she prepared for the big presentation. "

pancreas noun

/ˈpæŋkɹɪəs/

A gland near the stomach which secretes a fluid into the duodenum to help with food digestion. The fluid contains protease, carbohydrase and lipase, which breaks down larger molecules into smaller pieces. The pancreas also produces the hormones insulin and glucagon which regulate blood sugar. These hormones are released into the cardiovascular system.

"My uncle's doctor said his pancreas was not functioning properly, so he needed to adjust his diet to help it produce the necessary enzymes for digestion. "

picnics noun

/ˈpɪknɪks/

An informal social gathering, usually in a natural outdoor setting, to which the participants bring their own food and drink.

"We went out for a picnic in the forest."