Brunner's glands

Brunner's glands
Section of duodenum of cat. (Duodenal glands in submucosa labeled at right, fourth from the top.)
Latin	glandulae duodenales
Gray's	subject #248 1176
Dorlands/Elsevier	g_06/12392383

Brunner's glands (or duodenal glands) are compound tubular submucosal glands located throughout the duodenum. The main function of these glands is to produce an alkaline secretion (containing bicarbonate) in order to:

• protect the duodenum from the acidic content of chyme (which is introduced into the duodenum from the stomach);
• provide an alkaline condition for the intestinal enzymes to be active, thus enabling absorption to take place;
• lubricate the intestinal walls.

They are also the distinguishing feature of the duodenum.

Human brunner's gland

External links

• duodenal+glands at eMedicine Dictionary
• Histology at BU 11504loa - "Digestive System: Alimentary Canal: pyloro/duodenal junction, duodenum"
• Histology at BU 11513loa - "Digestive System: Alimentary Canal: pyloro/duodenal junction"
• Histology at BU 11609loa - "Digestive System: Alimentary Canal: duodenum, plicae circularis"
• Histology at OU 52_06
• Histology at USC gi/c_36
• Histology at USC gi/c_39

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