Gastric glands

Structures located in the lining of the stomach that produce gastric juices.

Gastric glands are specialized cells situated in the mucosa of the stomach. They play a crucial role in the digestion process by secreting gastric juices, which contain hydrochloric acid and digestive enzymes. These secretions aid in breaking down food and maintaining an acidic environment necessary for optimal digestion.

Terminologia Anatomica

glandulae gastricae

System

Digestive system

Function

The primary function of gastric glands is to facilitate digestion through the production of gastric juices. These juices primarily consist of hydrochloric acid, pepsinogen, intrinsic factor, and various mucus-producing cells. Hydrochloric acid creates a highly acidic environment, with a pH typically between 1.5 and 3.5, necessary for activating digestive enzymes like pepsin, which breaks down proteins into smaller peptides. The intrinsic factor is essential for the absorption of vitamin B12, vital for red blood cell formation and nerve function. The mucus secreted by the gastric mucous cells provides a protective lining to the stomach, shielding its walls from being digested by the very acids it produces. In summary, gastric glands play a multi-faceted role in digestion not only by breaking down food but also by protecting the stomach lining and facilitating nutrient absorption.

Location

Gastric glands are located in the gastric mucosa, which is the inner lining of the stomach. They are primarily distributed throughout the body, fundus, and pyloric regions of the stomach. The glands can extend into the lamina propria, the connective tissue beneath the epithelial layer, and are oriented perpendicularly to the surface of the stomach lining. Each gland is composed of different types of secretory cells, including parietal cells, chief cells, and mucous cells, each contributing to the gastric juice's diverse components. The arrangement and distribution of these glands vary slightly in different regions of the stomach to meet specific digestive needs.

Did You Know?

Gastric glands can secrete up to 2 to 3 liters of gastric juice daily, highlighting their significant role in digestion.
The hydrochloric acid produced by gastric glands is strong enough to dissolve metal, yet the stomach lining remains unharmed due to mucus and bicarbonate secretion.
The capacity of the stomach to distinguish between different food types allows gastric glands to adjust the composition of gastric juices accordingly.
Gastric secretions are regulated by the presence of food in the stomach and are influenced by the nervous system and hormones.