Brunner's glands (or
duodenal glands) are compound tubular
submucosal glands found in that portion of the
duodenum which is above the
hepatopancreatic sphincter (aka
sphincter of Oddi). The main function of these glands is to produce a mucus-rich alkaline secretion (containing
bicarbonate) in order to:
- protect the duodenum from the acidic content of chyme (which is introduced into the duodenum from the stomach);
- provide an alkaline condition for the intestinal enzymes to be active, thus enabling absorption to take place;
- lubricate the intestinal walls.