Acinus

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

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

They are found in many organs, including:

• the stomach^[1]

• the sebaceous gland of the scalp

• the salivary glands of the tongue^[2]

• the liver

• the lacrimal glands

• the mammary glands

• 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

• acinus at eMedicine Dictionary
• a_09/12107053 at Dorland's Medical Dictionary

v • d • e Glands (Endocrine, Exocrine) Classification 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