Brunner's glands

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Brunner's Glands

Brunner's glands (pronounced: broo-nerz glands), also known as duodenal glands, are compound tubular submucosal glands found in the submucosa of the duodenum. They secrete an alkaline fluid composed of mucin, which helps to neutralize gastric acid in the chyme and provide an alkaline condition for the intestinal enzymes to be active, thus aiding digestion.

Etymology

The glands are named after the Swiss physician Johann Conrad Brunner, who first described them in the 17th century.

Structure

Brunner's glands are located in the submucosa of the duodenum, which is the first part of the small intestine. They are most numerous near the pylorus and decrease in number along the duodenum. The glands are compound tubular submucosal glands, meaning they have multiple ducts leading to the surface of the mucosa.

Function

The primary function of Brunner's glands is to produce a mucus-rich alkaline secretion in order to:

  • Protect the duodenum from the acidic content of chyme (partially digested food)
  • Provide an alkaline condition for the intestinal enzymes to be active
  • Lubricate the intestinal walls

Related Terms

  • Duodenum: The first part of the small intestine immediately beyond the stomach, leading to the jejunum.
  • Pylorus: The opening from the stomach into the duodenum.
  • Chyme: The pulpy acidic fluid that passes from the stomach to the small intestine, consisting of gastric juices and partly digested food.
  • Mucin: A glycoprotein constituent of mucus.
  • Submucosa: A layer of tissue in various hollow organs, such as the gut or the bladder, located underneath the mucosa.

External links

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