contents of the lumen. The surface epithelium
invaginates into the lamina propria to form gastric pits. The gastric glands of the fundus and body are branched tubular glands, which open into the gastric pits. These tubular glands consist
of:Stem cells (in the neck region). These cells proliferate rapidly and migrate to replace the
stomach epithelial lining cells (whose turnover
time is short, about 4 days, owing to the harsh
acidic environment). These stem cells also
migrate deeper into the glands and
differentiate into the various secretory cells of the glands. Mucous neck cells. These cells, also present in the neck region, secrete mucus (stained
intensely with PAS), with staining
characteristics that differ from the surface
epithelial lining cells. Parietal cells (oxynitic cells). These are mainly found in the upper part of the gastric glands.
These are rounded or pyramidal cells
characterized by their round central nuclei and