1. Surface Mucous Cells:
* Located on the surface of the gastric epithelium, forming a protective layer.
* Secrete alkaline mucus to protect the stomach lining from the acidic environment.
2. Mucous Neck Cells:
* Located in the neck region of the gastric glands.
* Secrete a thinner mucus than surface mucous cells.
* May also contribute to the production of bicarbonate.
3. Parietal Cells:
* Found deeper in the glands, near the base.
* Responsible for secreting hydrochloric acid (HCl), which is essential for digesting food.
* Also secrete intrinsic factor, a protein necessary for vitamin B12 absorption.
4. Chief Cells:
* Also located near the base of the glands.
* Secrete pepsinogen, an inactive precursor of the digestive enzyme pepsin.
* Pepsinogen is activated by HCl, becoming pepsin which breaks down proteins.
5. Enteroendocrine Cells:
* Scattered throughout the gastric glands.
* These cells secrete various hormones, including gastrin, somatostatin, and histamine, which regulate gastric function.
6. Stem Cells:
* Found at the base of the glands.
* Responsible for replacing old and damaged cells in the gastric epithelium.
This diversity of cell types within the gastric glands allows for the complex process of gastric juice production, which is essential for digestion.
