Alveolar gland

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Image:Gray1105.png In contrast to tubular glands, in the second main variety of gland, the secretory portion is enlarged and the lumen variously increased in size. These are termed alveolar or saccular glands.

A further complication in the case of the alveolar glands may occur in the form of still smaller saccular diverticuli growing out from the main sacculi. These are termed alveoli.

The term "tubulo-alveolar" (or "tubulo-acinar") is used to describe that start out as branched tubular, and branch further to terminate in alveoli. This type of gland is found in the salivary glands.

The term "racemose gland" is used to describe a compound alveolar gland.

[edit] Additional images

Human submaxillary gland. At the right is a group of mucous alveoli, at the left a group of serous alveoli.

Section of portion of mamma.

[edit] See also

• Acinus
• Duct (anatomy)

[edit] External links

• Dictionary at eMedicine Alveolar+gland
• Dictionary at eMedicine Saccular+gland
• Dictionary at eMedicine Racemose+gland
• Histology at KUMC glands-glands14 "Compound Tubulo- Alveolar"
• Histology at USC epi/c_58
• Histology at OU 47-05 - "Submaxillary glands"

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