Brunner's glands
Brunner's glands (or duodenal glands) are compound tubuloalveolar submucosal glands found in that portion of the duodenum proximal to the hepatopancreatic sphincter (i.e sphincter of Oddi).
| Brunner's glands | |
|---|---|
Section of duodenum. (Duodenal glands in submucosa are labeled at right, fourth from the top.) | |
| Details | |
| System | Digestive system |
| Location | Duodenum |
| Identifiers | |
| Latin | glandulae duodenales |
| MeSH | D002011 |
| TA98 | A05.6.02.017 |
| TA2 | 2957 |
| FMA | 71622 |
| Anatomical terms of microanatomy | |
Their main function is to secrete alkaline (bicarbonate-containing) mucous in order to:
- protect the duodenum from the acidic content of chyme (which enters the duodenum from the stomach),
- provide an alkaline environment which promotes the acitity of intestinal enzymes,
- lubricate the intestinal walls.
They are the distinguishing feature of the duodenum, and are named for the Swiss physician who first described them, Johann Conrad Brunner.
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