Brunner's glands

Brunner's glands
Section of duodenum. (Duodenal glands in submucosa are labeled at right, fourth from the top.)
Details
Latin	glandulae duodenales
Identifiers
Gray's	p.1176
Dorlands /Elsevier	g_06/12392383
TA	A05.6.02.017
FMA	71622
Anatomical terminology

Brunner's glands (or duodenal glands) are compound tubular submucosal glands found in that portion of the duodenum which is above the hepatopancreatic sphincter (Sphincter of Oddi). The main function of these glands is to produce a mucus-rich 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 also secrete urogastrone, which inhibits parietal and chief cells of the stomach from secreting acid and their digestive enzymes. This is another form of protection for the duodenum.

They are the distinguishing feature of the duodenum, and are named for the Swiss physician who first described them, Johann Conrad Brunner.

Human brunner's gland

External links

• duodenal+glands at eMedicine Dictionary
• 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"