The stomach has three distinct regions: the fundus, body, and antrum, each with specific histological characteristics. The mucosa is lined by simple columnar epithelium forming gastric pits, leading to gastric glands that contain different cell types:
- Parietal cells: Produce hydrochloric acid and intrinsic factor. - Chief cells: Secrete pepsinogen, a precursor to the enzyme pepsin. - Mucous neck cells: Produce mucus to protect the stomach lining. - Enteroendocrine cells: Release various hormones like gastrin, which regulates stomach functions.
