Which cells are responsible for secreting glucagon to increase blood glucose levels?

The correct answer identifies alpha cells as the ones responsible for secreting glucagon, a hormone crucial for regulating blood glucose levels. Glucagon is produced in the pancreas and plays a vital role in the body's metabolic processes. When blood glucose levels drop, glucagon acts to stimulate the liver to convert stored glycogen into glucose and release it into the bloodstream, thus increasing blood glucose levels.

Understanding the function of other cell types can provide additional clarity. Beta cells, for example, secrete insulin, which lowers blood glucose levels by facilitating the uptake of glucose into cells and promoting its storage as glycogen. Delta cells, on the other hand, produce somatostatin, a hormone that regulates the secretion of both insulin and glucagon. Acinar cells are involved in producing digestive enzymes rather than hormones that control blood sugar levels. This differentiation among the cell types in the pancreas highlights the specific role of alpha cells in glucose metabolism.