Stomach Cardia

This slide shows the first area of the stomach, the cardiac region. The cardiac mucosa primarily contains mucous-secreting cells that form a columnar epithelium. Identify the gastric pits, which represent the openings into the gastric glands. These glands are lined entirely by surface mucous cells that lubricate the incoming food and protect the lining of the stomach near the gastro-esophageal junction. The glands of the cardia are coiled and visible in cross-section beneath the pits. Below the glands of the mucosal layer are the lamina propria and muscularis mucosa, which are responsible for support and folding, respectively.