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Exocrine Pancreas Microanatomy & Ductal Tree, Duct Segment,…
Exocrine Pancreas Microanatomy & Ductal Tree
Connective Tissue Stroma & Architecture (Capsule, Septa & Age Changes)
Neurovascular Pathway
Conducts blood vessels, nerves, and interlobular ducts into lobules
Age-Related Changes
Infiltration of adipocytes within the connective tissue stroma increases with age
Thin Capsule & Trabeculae
Partitions parenchyma into lobules
Fine collagenous septa
Pancreatic Acini (Serous & Centroacinar Cells)
Serous (Acinar) Cells
Pyramidal shape around narrow lumen
Basal Pole
Basophilic RER + round nucleus
Apical Pole
Eosinophilic zymogen granules
NO Myoepithelial Cells (Differs from salivary)
Centroacinar Cells
Unique terminal duct cells within the acinar core
Small, flattened/cuboidal cells with pale cytoplasm
Continuous with intercalated duct lining
Pancreatic Acini Vs. Salivary Acini Key Differences
Absence of Myoepithelial Cells
Unlike salivary glands, pancreatic acini completely lack contractile myoepithelial cells surrounding their basal lamina
Irregular Contours
Pancreatic acini exhibit a more varied, irregular outline compared to the uniform spherical units of salivary glands
Presence of Centroacinar Cells
Centroacinar cells represent the invaginated initial lining cells of the intercalated duct positioned directly in the center of the acinus
Excretory Ductal Tree Hierarchy (Intercalated ➔ Wirsung/Santorini)
Centroacinar Cells (In the center of the acinus)
Intercalated Ducts (Long & narrow; Simple Squamous)
Intralobular Ducts (Short, non-striated; Simple Cuboidal)
Interlobular Ducts (Simple Cuboidal ➔ Simple Columnar + Goblet cells)
Main Collecting Ducts (Head of Pancreas)
Duct of Wirsung (Main Duct)
Traverses tail to head (caliber increases)
Stratified Columnar Epithelium
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Duct of Santorini (Accessory Duct)
Located in upper head of pancreas
Present in ~25% of individuals (inconstant)
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Pancreatic Ductal System Microanatomical
Duct Segment
Epithelial Lining
Location & Key Features
Functional Role / Embryology
Centroacinar Cells
Pale, flattened cells
Core/center of the serous acinus
Initiates HCO₃⁻-rich fluid secretion
Intercalated Ducts
Simple Squamous
Extends from centroacinar cells; long & narrow
Conveys primary secretion out of acinus
Intralobular Ducts
Simple Cuboidal
Within lobules; short, lacks striations
Conduit for fluid into interlobular septa
Interlobular Ducts
Simple Cuboidal → Simple Columnar
Coursing within connective tissue trabeculae
Joins main duct at right angles; contains goblet cells
Duct of Wirsung
Stratified Columnar
Main pancreatic duct traversing length of organ
Drains total pancreatic juice into Ampulla of Vater
Duct of Santorini
Simple to Stratified Columnar
Upper head of pancreas (~25% prevalence)
Embryonic dorsal bud remnant; accessory drainage