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Acinus |
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acinus [′as·ə·nəs]
(anatomy) The small terminal sac of an acinous gland, lined with secreting cells. (botany) An individual drupelet of a multiple fruit. Acinus (1) A structural and functional unit or the terminal secretory portion of the salivary, pancreatic, lacteal, sebaceous, or other saccular (alveolar) glands. The acinus is a bubble-like formation of one or more types of gland cells situated on a basement membrane and surrounded by connective tissue, capillaries, and nerve fibers. The apexes of the cells with their microvilli are directed toward the chamber of the acinus into which the secretion is discharged. (2) A part of the respiratory apparatus in mammals that includes a section of the lung corresponding to the branches of the terminal bronchus—that is, the bronchioles, alveolar passages, and alveoli. One pulmonary lobule consists of 12–18 acini. Want to thank TFD for its existence? Tell a friend about us, add a link to this page, add the site to iGoogle, or visit the webmaster's page for free fun content. |
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