Alveolar gland
Encyclopedia
In contrast to tubular glands, in the second main variety of gland, the secretory portion is enlarged and the lumen
Lumen (anatomy)
A lumen in biology is the inside space of a tubular structure, such as an artery or intestine...

 variously increased in size. These are termed alveolar glands (or saccular glands, or acinar glands, or acinous glands).

Some sources draw a clear distinction between acinar and alveolar glands, based upon the shape of the lumen.

A further complication in the case of the alveolar glands may occur in the form of still smaller saccular diverticuli growing out from the main sacculi. These are termed alveoli.

The term "tubulo-alveolar" (or "tubulo-acinar", or "compound tubulo-acinar", or "compound tubulo-alveolar") is used to describe glands that start out as branched tubular, and branch further to terminate in alveoli. This type of gland is found in the salivary gland
Salivary gland
The salivary glands in mammals are exocrine glands, glands with ducts, that produce saliva. They also secrete amylase, an enzyme that breaks down starch into maltose...

s, esophagus
Esophagus
The esophagus is an organ in vertebrates which consists of a muscular tube through which food passes from the pharynx to the stomach. During swallowing, food passes from the mouth through the pharynx into the esophagus and travels via peristalsis to the stomach...

, and mammary gland
Mammary gland
A mammary gland is an organ in mammals that produces milk to feed young offspring. Mammals get their name from the word "mammary". In ruminants such as cows, goats, and deer, the mammary glands are contained in their udders...

s.

The term "racemose gland" is used to describe a "compound alveolar gland" or "compound acinar gland".
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