brunner's gland: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
TechnicalScientific/Medical
Quick answer
What does “brunner's gland” mean?
A compound tubular submucosal gland found in the duodenum.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A compound tubular submucosal gland found in the duodenum.
Specifically, Brunner's glands are located in the duodenal submucosa and secrete alkaline mucus to protect the duodenal lining from acidic chyme entering from the stomach and to lubricate the intestinal walls.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in usage or terminology between British and American English in this highly technical context.
Connotations
Purely anatomical/physiological. No cultural connotations.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in general language, used exclusively in medical, anatomical, and biological texts and discourse.
Grammar
How to Use “brunner's gland” in a Sentence
Brunner's gland [verb: secretes, is located, prevents]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “brunner's gland” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The Brunner's gland tissue showed hyperplasia.
American English
- Brunner's gland hyperplasia is a rare condition.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Academic
Crucial term in medical and biological sciences when discussing gastrointestinal anatomy and physiology.
Everyday
Virtually never used in everyday conversation.
Technical
Standard term in histology, anatomy, gastroenterology, and physiology textbooks and research papers.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “brunner's gland”
Neutral
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “brunner's gland”
- Misspelling as 'Bruner's gland' or 'Brunners gland' (missing apostrophe).
- Incorrectly locating them in the stomach instead of the duodenum.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Their primary function is to secrete a thick, alkaline mucus that neutralises gastric acid in the duodenum, protecting its lining and creating a suitable pH for pancreatic enzyme activity.
No, they are confined to the duodenum, specifically the proximal (first) part, and their numbers decrease distally (further along).
Yes, though rare. Brunner's gland hyperplasia or adenoma can occur, sometimes leading to gastrointestinal bleeding or obstruction.
No, it is a highly specialised anatomical term used almost exclusively in medical, biological, and healthcare contexts.
A compound tubular submucosal gland found in the duodenum.
Brunner's gland is usually scientific/medical in register.
Brunner's gland: in British English it is pronounced /ˈbrʌnəz ɡland/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈbrʌnərz ɡlænd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: BRUNNer's glands BRUNg the Neutraliser - they bring alkaline mucus to neutralise stomach acid in the duodenum.
Conceptual Metaphor
PROTECTIVE SHIELD (The glands provide a protective, lubricating layer against corrosive stomach contents).
Practice
Quiz
Where are Brunner's glands specifically located?