MICROANATOMY

Detailed explanation-1: -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-2: -The ductal component of the exocrine pancreas includes centroacinar cells present at the junction between the acinar and ductal lumina and cells lining the progressively larger ducts that connect the acinus to the duodenum (intercalated ducts, intralobular ducts, interlobular ducts, and main pancreatic ducts).

Detailed explanation-3: -The pancreatic acinar cell is a highly specialized structure developed for synthesis, storage, and secretion of digestive enzymes. The acinar cell arises from the same pancreatic progenitor as duct and islet cells and is tightly polarized.