Quick Scoop

Acini most commonly means the tiny berry-like secretory units found in glands, especially the salivary glands, pancreas, and parts of the lungs. In anatomy, the plural acini refers to clusters of cells that produce and release secretions.

What it means

  • In anatomy: an acinus is a small round cluster of secretory cells.
  • In the lung: the pulmonary acinus is the terminal part of the tiny airway system where the alveoli are located.
  • In salivary glands and pancreas: acini make the fluid or enzyme-rich secretions those organs release.

Common confusion

The word “acini” can also appear in other contexts, like Acini as a company name in insurance technology, or in the pasta name acini di pepe.

Simple example

If someone says, “the acini in the pancreas,” they mean the small gland units that produce digestive enzymes.

If you want, I can also give you a 1-line definition , a medical explanation , or a diagram-style breakdown.