Health Dictionary
Reliable, easy-to-read patient information on common medical conditions — written in plain language, free of jargon, and grounded in current evidence. Browse the most frequent diagnoses, understand what they mean for everyday life, and learn which steps and questions help you have a focused conversation with your doctor.
Brunner's gland
Introduction
Overview
Overview
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.
External links
External links
- Template:EMedicineDictionary
- Histology image: 11504loa – Histology Learning System at Boston University – “Digestive System: Alimentary Canal: pyloro/duodenal junction, duodenum”
- Histology image: 11513loa – Histology Learning System at Boston University – “Digestive System: Alimentary Canal: pyloro/duodenal junction”
- Histology image: 11609loa – Histology Learning System at Boston University – “Digestive System: Alimentary Canal: duodenum, plicae circularis”
- Template:OklahomaHistology
- Histology at University of Southern California gi/c_36
- Histology at University of Southern California gi/c_39
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]