The duodenal glands of fourteen primate species.

The duodenal glands of the primates examined begin at the gastrointestinal junction and extend distally along the intestinal tract. The glands are confined primarily to the submucosa and consist of coiled tubules which exhibit frequent distal branching. The ducts pierce the muscularis mucosae to empty into the bases of the overlying intestinal glands. Cells comprising the duodenal glands appear mucous in nature and are thought to elaborate a neutral mucopolysaccharide.