Acinus

GS undefined

An acinus (adjective: acinar, plural acini) refers to the berry-shaped termination of an exocrine gland, where the secretion is produced.

They are found in many organs, including:
 * the stomach


 * the sebaceous gland of the scalp


 * the salivary glands of the tongue


 * the liver


 * the lacrimal glands


 * the pancreas

Mucous acini usually stain pale, while serous acini usually stain dark.

The term "acinus" is considered synonymous with alveolus by some sources, but not all.