acinar cell

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acinar cell

anatomy

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July 23, 2026

Quick Summary

Acinar cells are the primary cellular component of the exocrine pancreas, making up over 95% of its cells. These cells are shaped like truncated pyramids and are organized around a central lumen, forming clusters that contribute to digestive enzyme precursors.1

The main function of acinar cells is to produce and secrete digestive proteins, including proteases, lipases, and amylases, which are essential for breaking down proteins, fats, and carbohydrates in the small intestine. They also secrete a trypsin inhibitor and proteins like albumin and immunoglobulins.1

These cells synthesize enzyme precursors on ribosomes, which are then processed and stored in zymogen granules before being released into the pancreatic duct. This secretion is stimulated by hormones like secretin and cholecystokinin (CCK), as well as acetylcholine. CCK and acetylcholine are particularly important for stimulating the production of bicarbonate and enzymes by acinar cells.1

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pharmaceutical industry
Isolation of insulin
…destroyed by enzymes from the acinar cells. By this time Banting had enlisted the support of Charles H. Best, a fourth-year medical student. Together they tied off the pancreatic ducts through which acinar cells release the digestive enzymes. This insult caused the acinar cells to die. Subsequently, the remainder of…
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…destroyed by enzymes from the acinar cells. By this time Banting had enlisted the support of Charles H. Best, a fourth-year medical student. Together they tied off the pancreatic ducts through which acinar cells release the digestive enzymes. This insult caused the acinar cells to die. Subsequently, the remainder of…
Read More

human digestive system
Pancreas
Individual acinar cells have the shape of a truncated pyramid, arranged in groups around a central ductal lumen. These central ducts empty into progressively larger intercalated and collecting ducts that eventually join the pancreatic duct (duct of Wirsung). The pancreatic duct in turn enters the hepatopancreatic…
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Individual acinar cells have the shape of a truncated pyramid, arranged in groups around a central ductal lumen. These central ducts empty into progressively larger intercalated and collecting ducts that eventually join the pancreatic duct (duct of Wirsung). The pancreatic duct in turn enters the hepatopancreatic…
Read More

pancreas
Anatomy and exocrine and endocrine functions
…produce digestive enzymes are called acinar cells (from Latin acinus, meaning “grape”), so named because the cells aggregate to form bundles that resemble a cluster of grapes. Located between the clusters of acinar cells are scattered patches of another type of secretory tissue, collectively known as the islets of Langerhans,…
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…produce digestive enzymes are called acinar cells (from Latin acinus, meaning “grape”), so named because the cells aggregate to form bundles that resemble a cluster of grapes. Located between the clusters of acinar cells are scattered patches of another type of secretory tissue, collectively known as the islets of Langerhans,…
Read More

digestive system disease
Pancreatitis
…enzyme production mechanisms in the acinar cell may also lead to the activation of intracellular (lysosomal) enzyme systems, resulting in the conversion of proenzymes to active forms that begin to digest cellular organelles. The gland thus begins to self-destruct. Similar damage may appear in other organs, such as the lungs,…
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…enzyme production mechanisms in the acinar cell may also lead to the activation of intracellular (lysosomal) enzyme systems, resulting in the conversion of proenzymes to active forms that begin to digest cellular organelles. The gland thus begins to self-destruct. Similar damage may appear in other organs, such as the lungs,…
Read More