Answer to Question #264549 in Human Anatomy and Physiology for Noah

Question

Describe the structure and function of the two mainly cells in the fundic glands.

Answer 1

Fundic glands are composed of parietal cells that secrete acid (endocrine cells) such as somatostatin-producing D cells and gastrin-producing G-cells, and mucous neck cells, a cell type with uncertain function and that trans-differentiates when halfway down the gland into zymogenic cells that secrete digestive enzymes.

Function: production of the digestive juice. Composition: simple branched tubular glands that extend from the bottom of the gastric pit to the muscularis mucosae. Function: mucus secretion.

Fundic glands found in the fundus and also in the body have another two cell types–gastric chief cells and parietal cells (oxyntic cells). Surface mucous cell (foveolar cell) - They are mucous producing cells which cover the inside of the stomach, protecting it from the corrosive nature of gastric acid.