Acinus

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Acinus
Section of pancreas of dog. X 250. (Alveolus labeled at center top.)
Centroacinar cells

A acinus (adjective: acinar, plural acini) refers to the berry-shaped termination of an exocrine gland, where the secretion is produced.

They are found in:

• the stomach^[1]

• the sebaceous gland of the scalp

• the salivary glands of the tongue^[2]

• the pancreas ^[3]

Mucous acini usually stain pale, while serous acini usually stain dark.

The term "acinus" is considered synonymous with alveolus by some sources, but not all.

[edit] See also

• Intercalated duct

[edit] References

1. ^ Histology at OU 51_07 - pyloric stomach
2. ^ Histology at OU 46_03 - sublingual gland
3. ^ Histology at BU 10405loa

[edit] External links

• Dictionary at eMedicine acinus
• Dorlands/Elsevier a_09/12107053

v • d • e Glands (Endocrine, Exocrine)
mechanism (Merocrine, Apocrine, Holocrine) shape (Tubular gland, Alveolar gland) secretion (Serous glands, Mucous glands, Serous demilune) Ducts: Interlobar duct, Interlobular duct, Intralobular duct (Striated duct, Intercalated duct), Acinus