This image shows the
appearance of the cells that make up the exocrine pancreas. Most of the cells
seen in this image are serous secretory cells, which are organized
into spherical clusters called acini. The secretory cells can be identified
on the basis of their basophilic cytoplasm (BC)
and their circular nuclei, which often have prominent nucleoli
(Nu). Also present are centroacinar cells (CAC),
identifiable by their circular nucleus surrounded by unstained cytoplasm.
These cells mark the beginning of the intercalated duct that drains the acinus.
The oval shaped nuclei surrounded by unstained cytoplasm belong to the cells
that form the wall of an intercalated duct (In).
The final type of cell frequently seen in the exocrine pancreas is the endothelial
cell (En), which can be identified on their small elongated nucleus
filled with condensed, darkly stained chromatin. They vary from flattened
oval to circular in profile depending on the plane in which they are sectioned.
The form the walls of capillaries (Ca) and the
lining of other types of blood vessels.
