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They contain serous acini, a grouping of serous cells that secrete serous fluid, isotonic with blood plasma, that contains enzymes such as alpha-amylase. Serous glands are most common in the parotid gland and lacrimal gland but are also present in the submandibular gland and, to a far lesser extent, the sublingual gland.
Each acinus consists of a single layer of cuboidal epithelial cells surrounding a lumen, a central opening where the saliva is deposited after being produced by the secretory cells. The three forms of acini are classified in terms of the type of epithelial cell present and the secretory product being produced - serous, mucoserous, and mucous.
Mucoserous acini (singular acinus) or mixed acini are mainly present in submandibular and sublingual glands. They are formed by mucous cells with some serous cells interspersed each other. Both cells pour their secretion directly in the lumen. Layer of mucous cells and serous demilune of serous cells superficial to mucous cells
At the right is a group of mucous acini, at the left a group of serous acini. Lobes contain smaller lobules, which contain adenomeres , the secretory units of the gland. Each adenomere contains one or more acini , or alveoli, which are small clusters of cells that secrete their products into a duct.
The mucous salivary glands are similar in structure to the buccal and labial glands. They are found especially at the back part behind the vallate papillae, but are also present at the apex and marginal parts. In this connection, the anterior lingual glands require special notice.
An acinus (/ ˈ æ s ɪ n ə s /; pl.: acini; adjective, acinar / ˈ æ s ɪ n ər / or acinous) refers to any cluster of cells that resembles a many-lobed "berry", such as a raspberry (acinus is Latin for "berry").
Serous glands secrete a watery, often protein-rich, fluid-like product, e.g. sweat glands. Mucous glands secrete a viscous product, rich in carbohydrates (such as glycoproteins), e.g. goblet cells. Sebaceous glands secrete a lipid product. These glands are also known as oil glands, e.g. Fordyce spots and meibomian glands.
The lacrimal gland is a compound tubuloacinar gland, it is made up of many lobules separated by connective tissue, each lobule contains many acini.The acini composed of large serous cells which, produce a watery serous secretion, serous cells are filled with lightly stained secretory granules and surrounded by well-developed myoepithelial cells and a sparse, vascular stroma.