Gastric Gland
Gastric Gland

Gastric Gland

The gastric gland is the basic secretory unit of the stomach and contains a variety of component cells located in characteristic locations. The gland begins at the gastric pit, the opening to the lumen of the stomach. The pit itself contains mostly mucous-secreting cells, visible because of their pale-staining mucous droplets. The isthmus and neck of the gland lead down to the lowest portion, its base. Parietal cells, which secrete HCl and intrinsic factor, are located primarily in the isthmus and neck regions and appear highly eosinophilic, while the chief cells responsible for pepsinogen secretion are located closer to the base of the gland and appear granulated and basophilic. The muscularis mucosa is also visible here.