GENERAL HISTOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -The exocrine pancreas includes the acinar cells that produce and secrete digestive enzymes in their inactive forms, the cuboidal cells that line the smaller ducts, and the mucin-producing columnar cells that line the larger ducts which carry these enzymes to the duodenum.

Detailed explanation-2: -The functional unit of the exocrine pancreas is composed of an acinus and its draining ductule (Figure 3). The ductal system extends from the lumen of the acinus to the duodenum. A ductule from the acinus drains into interlobular (intercalated) ducts, which in turn drain into the main pancreatic ductal system.

Detailed explanation-3: -These exocrine cells are called “acinar cells” and they produce and transport enzymes that are released into ducts and then passed into the duodenum (the first part of the small bowel), where they assist in the digestion of food.

Detailed explanation-4: -Exocrine pancreas, the portion of the pancreas that makes and secretes digestive enzymes into the duodenum. This includes acinar and duct cells with associated connective tissue, vessels, and nerves. The exocrine components comprise more than 95% of the pancreatic mass.