Alveolar glands, also called saccular glands are
glands
In animals, a gland is a group of cells in an animal's body that synthesizes substances (such as hormones) for release into the bloodstream (endocrine gland) or into cavities inside the body or its outer surface (exocrine gland).
Structure
De ...
with a saclike secretory portion, in conrast with
tubular glands. They typically have an enlarged
lumen (cavity), hence the name: they have a shape similar to
alveoli, the very small air sacs in the lungs.
Some sources draw a clear distinction between acinar and alveolar glands, based upon the size of the lumen. 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.
The term "racemose gland" is used to describe a "compound alveolar gland" or "compound acinar gland."
SIU SOM Histology GI
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Branched alveolar glands are classified as follows:
Additional images
File:Gray897.png, Alveoli of lacrimal gland.
File:Gray1026.png, Human submaxillary gland
The paired submandibular glands (historically known as submaxillary glands) are major salivary glands located beneath the floor of the mouth. They each weigh about 15 grams and contribute some 60–67% of unstimulated saliva secretion; on stimula ...
. At the right is a group of mucous alveoli, at the left a group of serous alveoli.
File:Gray1173.png, Section of portion of mamma.
See also
* Acinus
References
Glands
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