Histology of the Pancreas



Fig. 3.1
This histologic section from the tail of the pancreas highlights the lobular architecture of the pancreatic parenchyma. Several acini (exocrine) drain into small interlobular ducts (short arrows), which drain into a large duct (long arrow). The endocrine portion is characterized by several islets of Langerhans (arrowhead) (H&E, 2.5×)





  • The predominant component of the exocrine portion are the acini.


  • The islets of Langerhans compose the endocrine portion






    3.2.1 Exocrine Pancreas (Figs. 3.13.5)






    • Acini



      • Multiple acinar cells form the acini, which are the secretory units of the exocrine pancreas.


      • Each acinus consists of a single layer of acinar cells organized around a central lumen.


      • Acinar cells are polarized epithelial cells with a well-developed rough endoplasmic reticulum and cytoplasmic secretory granules called zymogen granules (Fig. 3.2).

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        Fig. 3.2
        Several acinar cells characterized by a pyramidal shape with round central nucleus, basophilic cytoplasm at the base, and eosinophilic granules (arrowhead) toward the lumen forming an acinus. These granules are rich in zymogens such as trypsinogen, chymotrypsinogen, procarboxypeptidase, proelastase, lipase, amylase, prophospholipase, and kallikreinogen (H&E, 100×)


      • These secretory granules are located in the apical part of the cell and contain multiple enzymes required for digestion.


      • Acini make approximately 85 % of the mass of the pancreas.


    Apr 7, 2017 | Posted by in GENERAL RADIOLOGY | Comments Off on Histology of the Pancreas

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