Serous cells

Serous cells are protein-secreting epithelial cells found in exocrine glands like the salivary glands (parotid) and pancreatic acini. Their secretory granules contain enzymes (e.g., amylase in saliva, digestive enzymes in pancreas). The granules often stain darkly with H&E. They typically have a round nucleus and basophilic cytoplasm due to abundant rough ER for protein synthesis.