Structure of the Stomach Mucosa

• Simple columnar epithelium (composed almost entirely of mucous cells)
• Mucous cells produce bicarbonate-rich alkaline mucous
• Dotted by gastric pits leading to gastric glands that secrete gastric juice, including:

  -Intrinstic factor (is needed for vitamin B12 absorption in the small intestine)
• Stomach mucosa contain specialized cells that produce:

  -Protein-digesting enzymes (pepsinogens), hydrochloric acid that activates enzymes, thin acid mucus, local hormones (i.e. gastrin)