Zymogenic Granules

round formations 0.5–1.5 microns in diameter in the cells of salivary, parotid, and gastric glands and the pancreas in vertebrates and man, which contain zymogens, or proferments. Zymogenic granules are synthesized in the cytoplasm of glandular cells and move along the channels of the endoplasmatic network to the Golgi complex, where they dehydrate, are surrounded by a membrane, and separate from the channel system in the form of granules. Free zymogenic granules move to the part of the cell adjoining the gland duct. As they advance, there can be further concentration of the secretion. A mature zymogenic granule is formed in the pancreas in about 50 minutes. During secretion the membrane touches the plasmatic membrane (cell covering); at the place of contact an opening forms, and the secretion passes to the gland duct.