| Acinus | |
|---|---|
 Normal histology of the breast, including an acinus in lower image. The terminal duct connected to the magnified acinus is not within thismicrosection. | |
 Centroacinar cells | |
| Identifiers | |
| TH | H2.00.02.0.03050 |
| Anatomical terminology | |
Anacinus (/ˈæsɪnəs/;pl.:acini; adjective,acinar/ˈæsɪnər/ oracinous) refers to any cluster ofcells that resembles a many-lobed "berry", such as araspberry (acinus isLatin for "berry"). The berry-shaped termination of anexocrine gland, where the secretion is produced, is acinar in form, as is the alveolar sac containing multiplealveoli in thelungs.
Acinar exocrine glands are found in many organs, including:
Thethyroidfollicles can also be considered of acinar formation but in this case the follicles, being part of anendocrine gland, act as a hormonal deposit rather than to facilitate secretion.
Mucous acini usually stain pale, while serous acini usually stain dark.
The end of theterminal bronchioles in thelungs mark the beginning of apulmonary acinus that includes therespiratory bronchioles, alveolar ducts, alveolar sacs, andalveoli.[4]
