
Brunner’s glands are located in the submucosa of the duodenum
Duodenum
The duodenum is the first section of the small intestine in most higher vertebrates, including mammals, reptiles, and birds. In fish, the divisions of the small intestine are not as clear, and the terms anterior intestine or proximal intestine may be used instead of duodenum. In mammals the duodenum may be the principal site for iron absorption.
What is the function of the Brunner’s gland?
Brunner’s gland was first described by Brunner in 1688. it’s a gland present within the mucosa and submucosa of the duodenum and performs the most physiological function of secreting alkaline mucus to shield the duodenal mucosa from acid secreted within the stomach.
Where are Brunner's glands in the duodenum?
Section of duodenum. (Duodenal glands in submucosa are labeled at right, fourth from the top.) Brunner's glands (or duodenal glands) are compound tubular submucosal glands found in that portion of the duodenum which is above the hepatopancreatic sphincter (i.e sphincter of Oddi ).
What is the pathway of mucus secretion from Brunner’s glands?
Secretion of mucus fluid from Brunner’s glands and the epithelium clearly has an important role in normal duodenal function. However, the pathway for the water component of this secretion is so far undetermined.
What is Brunner’s gland hyperplasia?
Brunner’s gland hyperplasia is a type of proliferative disease of the duodenum, which is a very rare case. Brunner’s gland hyperplasia is usually asymptomatic, which means that it may show no symptoms or some symptoms such as abdominal pain, upper gastrointestinal bleeding, and may be associated with chronic pancreatitis.

What do Brunner's glands make Why is the product of these glands important?
Secretion from Brunner's glands contributes to a layer of mucus that forms a slippery, viscoelastic gel that lubricates the mucosal lining of the proximal intestinal tract.
Why are Brunner's glands primarily located in the duodenum?
Secretions from Brunner glands, in the submucosa of the duodenum, function principally to protect the intestinal walls from gastric juices.
What is the function of Brunner's gland and the importance of Peyer's patches?
The main function of these glands is to produce a mucus-rich alkaline secretion i.e. mucous (containing bicarbonate) in order to: protect the duodenum from the acidic content of chyme (which is introduced into the duodenum from the stomach);
What hormones do Brunner's glands secrete?
Brunner's glands are compound racemose glands in the submucous layer of the duodenum. Secretin is a hormone released into the bloodstream by the duodenum (especially in response to acidity) to stimulate secretion by the liver and pancreas.
What is the function of the submucosa in the small intestine?
It is responsible for gut movement, or peristalsis. It usually has two distinct layers of smooth muscle: circular and longitudinal. The submucosa is the layer of dense, irregular connective tissue or loose connective tissue that supports the mucosa, as well as joins the mucosa to the bulk of underlying smooth muscle.
What region of the small intestine has Brunner's glands in the submucosa?
The duodenumThe duodenum is readily distinguished from other regions of the small intestine by the presence of submucosal Brunner's glands, which may pack the submucosa so completely that the typical submucosal connective tissue is obscured.
What does brunners gland do?
Brunner's gland, which was accurately described by Brunner in 1688, is a gland in the submucosa of the duodenum (1), which has a main physiological function of secreting an alkaline-based mucus to protect the duodenal lining from the acid secreted in the stomach.
What are Brunner's glands quizlet?
Terms in this set (14) What is the function of Brunner's glands? The fluid secreted by duodenal (Brunner's) glands—alkaline mucus—neutralizes gastric acid and protects the mucosal lining of the duodenum.
In which layer Brunner's gland is present?
duodenal submucosaBrunner's glands are predominantly located in the duodenal submucosa, although they may focally transgress the muscularis mucosae and extend into the lamina propria.
What stimulates Brunner's gland?
Glucagon stimulates Brunner's Gland Secretion.
Who discovered Brunner's gland?
The duodenal glands were first observed in 1679 by Wepfer (1) who described them during the autopsy of a beheaded woman. Wepfer described their arrangement in the duodenum and observed that when they were macerated in water, the duodenal glands discharged copious amounts of mucus.
Are Brunner's glands exocrine or endocrine?
Exocrine glandsExocrine glands have ducts - and they secrete onto a surface: examples of exocrine glands are: sebaceous and sweat glands (in the skin), salivary glands (oral), Brunner's glands.
Are Brunner's glands only in duodenum?
Clinical and Endoscopic Features Brunner's glands are predominantly located in the duodenal submucosa, although they may focally transgress the muscularis mucosae and extend into the lamina propria.
What is the purpose of the duodenal gland?
The duodenum produces hormones and receives secretions from the liver (bile) and pancreas (pancreatic juice containing digestive enzymes). These various hormones, fluids and enzymes facilitate chemical digestion in the duodenum while also ensuring the acidity of chyme coming from the stomach is neutralised.
Which process is primary function of the Brunner's glands?
The main function of Brunner's glands is to secrete alkaline substances and bicarbonate to neutralize acidic chyme and gastric acid in the stomach, and to produce and secrete urinary suppressant to inhibit gastric acid secretion [5], which can protect the integrity of duodenal mucosal epithelium and maintain an ...
Are Brunner's glands duodenal glands?
Brunner's gland, which was accurately described by Brunner in 1688, is a gland in the submucosa of the duodenum (1), which has a main physiological function of secreting an alkaline-based mucus to protect the duodenal lining from the acid secreted in the stomach.
Where are Brunner's glands located?
Brunner's glands are unique to mammalian species and in eutherians are confined primarily to the submucosa of the proximal duodenum. In the majority of species examined, they begin at the gastrointestinal junction and extend for variable distances distally in the wall of the proximal small intestine. Ducts of individual glands empty either directly ...
What are the secretory units of Brunner's glands?
Secretory units of Brunner's glands consist of epithelial tubules that show frequent distal branchings. The secretory units, with the exception of those found in rabbits and horses, consist primarily of a mucin producing cell type.
Which chromosome is the Brunner gland located on?
Human Brunner's glands produce class III mucin glycoproteins and are thought to be the product of mucin gene MUC6 which is assigned to chromosome 11 (11p15-11p15.5 chromosome region).
Who is the Brunner gland named after?
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.
What is the function of the mucus gland?
The main function of these glands is to produce a mucus-rich alkaline secretion i.e. mucous (containing bicarbonate) in order to: protect the duodenum from the acidic content of chyme (which is introduced into the duodenum from the stomach );
How is the duodenum distinguished from the jejunum?
The duodenum can be distinguished from the jejunum and ileum by the presence of Brunner's glands in the submucosa.
What are the symptoms of a Brunner hamartoma?
Most patients with Brunner gland hamartomas are asymptomatic or have nonspecific complaints such as nausea, bloating, or vague abdominal pain.
Which glands secrete alkaline fluid?
The Brunner glands, which empty into the intestinal glands, secrete an alkaline fluid composed of mucin, which exerts a physiologic anti-acid function by coating the duodenal epithelium, therefore protecting it from the acid chyme of the stomach.
Can a Brunner hamartoma cause nausea?
Most patients with Brunner gland hamartomas are asymptomatic or have nonspecific complaints such as nausea, bloating, or vague abdominal pain. Most reports in the literature describe local surgical resection of Brunner gland hamartoma via duodenotomy.
Why are Brunner's glands activated?
Brunner's glands are activated in response to acidic substances in the duodenum and different investigation s have found that the hormone secretin is a powerful activator of its secretion mechanisms. However, the mechanisms that trigger its activation are not yet understood with certainty.
What are the pathologies of Brunner's gland?
Pathologies caused by conditions in Brunner's glands range from hyperplasias due to hyperstimulation to the formation of tumors or neoplasms.
What glands are responsible for neutralizing acidity in the intestine?
Brunner's glands are responsible for neutralizing the acidity of gastric juices, therefore, mucus and alkaline substances such as bicarbonate that they secrete are one of the main mechanisms for the protection of the intestine against high concentrations of hydrochloric acid ( HCl).
What is the effect of parasympathetic vagal stimulation on Brunner's glands?
Parasympathetic vagal (cholinergic) stimulation stimulates the secretion of cells in Brunner's glands, increasing the production of mucus and fluid that is released into the duodenum. The ingestion of irritating foods (physical or chemical) also stimulates the secretion in these glands.
What hormone is secreted by Brunner's glands?
The hormone urogastrone, secreted by Brunner's glands, has inhibitory effects on the secretion of acids in the stomach. The secretion of this hormone is sensitive to excessive alcohol consumption, which is why alcoholics usually suffer from irritations in the pancreas.
Which glands affect the duodenum?
There are multiple pathologies that affect the function of the duodenum by affecting Brunner's glands, since it receives pancreatic and bile secretions through the pancreatic and common bile ducts, respectively.
Who discovered the Brunner gland?
Brunner's glands were originally described as duodenal glands by entomologist Carl Brunner von Wattenwyl (1823-1914) in 1888. However, they are currently identified as submucosal glands, with a similar structure and function to the pyloric glands in the stomach.
Learn about this topic in these articles
Secretions from Brunner glands, in the submucosa of the duodenum, function principally to protect the intestinal walls from gastric juices. Lieberkühn glands, occupying the mucous membrane, secrete digestive enzymes, provide outlet ports for Brunner glands, and produce cells that replace surface-membrane cells shed from the tips of…
function in human digestive system
Secretions from Brunner glands, in the submucosa of the duodenum, function principally to protect the intestinal walls from gastric juices. Lieberkühn glands, occupying the mucous membrane, secrete digestive enzymes, provide outlet ports for Brunner glands, and produce cells that replace surface-membrane cells shed from the tips of…
What is the function of the Brunner's gland?
The primary physiological function of Brunner’s gland is to secrete alkaline mucus, which protects the duodenal mucosa from acid secreted in the stomach. Brunner’s gland hyperplasia is a type of proliferative disease of the duodenum, which is a very rare case. Brunner’s gland hyperplasia is usually asymptomatic, ...
What is the Brunner gland?
Brunner’s glands are glands that secrete mucus. These glands are located in the deep mucous membrane (the mucous membrane is the membrane lining the various body cavities and covering the surface of the internal organs) and the submucosa of the duodenum, which flows into the intestinal glands. The primary physiological function ...
Why is Brunner's gland hyperplasia chronic?
It is believed that the reason for Brunner’s gland hyperplasia is chronic inflammation, a chronic irritant because of excessive secretion of gastric acid, or a decrease in exocrine pancreatic function.
Why is there no consensus on Brunner's gland hyperplasia?
There is no consensus on the therapeutic principles of Brunner’s gland hyperplasia because follow-up research is insufficient since the disease is asymptomatic. Medical treatment serves to regulate gastric hyperacidity, which is one amongst the causes of Brunner’s gland hyperplasia. Thus, removal is the preferred method.
Can Brunner's gland cause gastrointestinal bleeding?
Brunner’s gland hyperplasia may be a very rare lesion of the duodenum that is usually asymptomatic and is diagnosed incidentally during upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. It can cause gastrointestinal bleeding , but the hemorrhagic shock may be a rare clinical manifestation of Brunner’s gland hyperplasia.
Is Brunner's gland cancer benign?
Brunner’s gland Hyperplasia Cancer. Brunner’s gland hyperplasia is a rare benign proliferative disease of the duodenum. Large masses can cause symptoms of obstruction and compression, which can depend on the location of the tumor. Due to their rarity, these lesions can be mistaken for malignancy on radiographic and endoscopic examinations.
Can Brunner's gland be resectioned?
For instance, endoscopic polypectomy should be performed if the lesions are but 1 cm in diameter , if the scale is simply too large, or if the tumor could be a sessile tumor.

Overview
Brunner's glands (or duodenal glands) are compound tubular submucosal glands found in that portion of the duodenum which is above the hepatopancreatic sphincter (i.e sphincter of Oddi). It also contains submucosa which creates special glands. The main function of these glands is to produce a mucus-rich alkaline secretion i.e. mucous (containing bicarbonate) in order to:
Structure
The duodenum can be distinguished from the jejunum and ileum by the presence of Brunner's glands in the submucosa.
Function
The Brunner glands, which empty into the intestinal glands, secrete an alkaline fluid composed of mucin, which exerts a physiologic anti-acid function by coating the duodenal epithelium, therefore protecting it from the acid chyme of the stomach. Furthermore, in response to the presence of acid in the duodenum, these glands secrete pepsinogen and urogastrone, which inhibit gastric acid secretion.
Clinical significance
Hyperplasia of Brunner glands with a lesion greater than 1 cm was initially described as a Brunner gland adenoma. Several features of these lesions favor their designation as hamartomas, including the lack of encapsulation; the mixture of acini, smooth muscles, adipose tissue, Paneth cells, and mucosal glands; and the lack of any cell atypia. These hamartomas are rare, with approximately 150 cases described in the literature. It is estimated that they represent approxim…
See also
• Peutz–Jeghers syndrome
External links
• 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"