OXYNTIC GLANDS Meaning and
Definition
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Oxyntic glands, also known as gastric glands or fundic glands, refer to the specialized epithelial cells found in the lining of the stomach that secrete gastric juices. These glands are primarily responsible for the production and release of hydrochloric acid (HCl), pepsinogen, and intrinsic factor, which play crucial roles in the digestive process.
The oxyntic glands are situated in the gastric mucosa, which lines the inner surface of the stomach. They are mostly concentrated within the fundus and the body of the stomach, while being absent or reduced in number in the antrum, a lower section of the stomach. These glands are composed of different cell types that contribute to gastric secretion. The chief or zymogenic cells secrete pepsinogen, the inactive form of the enzyme pepsin, which helps initiate protein digestion. Parietal or oxyntic cells are responsible for the production of HCl, which provides the acidic environment necessary for pepsinogen activation and also helps in sterilizing the stomach by killing certain microorganisms. Lastly, mucous neck cells produce a protective layer of mucus that coats the stomach lining, preventing it from being damaged by the acidic environment.
Understanding the functions of oxyntic glands is essential in diagnosing and treating various gastrointestinal disorders, such as gastric ulcers, gastritis, and gastroesophageal reflux disease.
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The acid-secreting glands of the stomach.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for OXYNTIC GLANDS
- oxyntic glafds
- oxyntic glalds
- oxyntic glaods
- oxyntic glants
- oxyntic glanls
- oxyntic gland3
- oxyntic glandq
- o xyntic glands
- ox yntic glands
- oxy ntic glands
- oxyn tic glands
- oxynt ic glands
- oxynti c glands
- oxyntic g lands
- oxyntic gl ands
- oxyntic gla nds
- oxyntic glan ds
- oxyntic gland s
Etymology of OXYNTIC GLANDS
The term "oxyntic glands" is derived from the Greek words "oxy" meaning "acid" or "sharp" and "hyntikos" meaning "leading to". In Greek, "oxy" refers to the production of acid, and "hyntikos" refers to something leading or discharging. Therefore, "oxyntic glands" can be understood as referring to the gastric glands of the stomach that secrete hydrochloric acid and are responsible for the acid environment necessary for digestion.
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