Acinar tissue - The flowers of diabetes

The acinar tissue of the pancreas is beautifully arranged and takes on the shape of a flower when viewed under the microscope. These secretory cells produce pancreatic enzymes. They are released into the middle of the 'flower'. From there they drain into the intestine, to help digest food. They also produce bicarbonate ions to neutralize the acidic products of the stomach. Cellular level art, paint on silk, digitised.