Most of this field is occupied by a pancreatic islet of Langerhans.

In this section stained with hematoxylin and eosin, two types of cells can be identified: type B (B) and type A (A) cells. Type B cells are the more abundant and show a pale vaguely granulated cytoplasm. These cells secrete insulin. Type A cells, which are less abundant, have a cytoplasm containing fine acidophilic granules. They secrete glucagon.

Other cells, such as type D cells, which secrete somatostatin, can be identified only by using immunostaining methods.

A few collapsed capillaries (V) are present in the islet and glandular acini (*) surround the islet.

Stain: H–­­E
Magnification: ×1000