Human cell

Pancreatic Acinar Cells (Digestive Juice Makers)

Most of your pancreas is made of acinar cells. They grow in little bunches like grapes and make helpers that break down almost everything you eat.

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Lesson 1

Bunches of grapes

Your pancreas is a long, soft organ tucked behind your stomach. Most of it is made of acinar cells.

Acinar cells sit in round bunches, a bit like grapes. Each cell is shaped like a wedge, with its narrow tip pointing to a tiny pipe in the middle. That tip is packed with bubbles full of digestive helpers called enzymes.

Wow!

The word acinus comes from a Latin word meaning berry, because these bunches look like little grapes!

Watch and learn

Digestive System

By Peekaboo Kidz. A fun video for kids.

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