Gastric glands are tubular glands opening into pits in the stomach lining. In the body and fundus the main (oxyntic) glands contain parietal cells that make acid and intrinsic factor and chief cells that make pepsinogen. Glands in the cardia and pylorus are mainly mucous, and pyloric glands also house G cells that release the hormone gastrin.
| Location | Lamina propria of the gastric mucosa throughout the stomach, as cardiac glands near the oesophagus, oxyntic (fundic) glands in the fundus and body, and pyloric glands in the antrum |
|---|---|
| Secretes |
|
| Nerve Supply | Vagus nerve (parasympathetic, stimulates secretion); Sympathetic fibres from the coeliac plexus |
| Blood Supply | Left and right gastric arteries; Left and right gastroepiploic arteries; Short gastric arteries |
| Lymphatic drainage |
Produce gastric juice that kills ingested microbes, begins protein digestion and allows later absorption of vitamin B12, while mucus protects the stomach wall. Endocrine cells regulate acid secretion and gut motility.
Proton pump inhibitors work by blocking the acid pump of parietal cells. Autoimmune gastritis destroys parietal cells, causing loss of intrinsic factor and vitamin B12 deficiency (pernicious anaemia). Gastrin-secreting tumours drive massive acid output and multiple ulcers (Zollinger-Ellison syndrome).
Autoimmune destruction of parietal cells leading to loss of intrinsic factor, vitamin B12 deficiency and megaloblastic anaemia.
Erosion of the stomach or duodenal lining by acid and pepsin, usually related to H. pylori infection or anti-inflammatory drugs.
Chronic inflammation with loss of gastric glands, reducing acid production and increasing the risk of gastric cancer.
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