Pyloric Glands-Secretion of Mucus and Gastrin

Pyloric Glands-Secretion of Mucus and Gastrin

The pyloric glands are structurally similar to the oxyntic glands but contain few peptic cells and almost no parietal cells. Instead, they contain mostly mucous cells that are identical with the mucous neck cells of the oxyntic glands. These cells secrete a small amount of pepsinogen, as discussed earlier, and an especially large amount of thin mucus that helps to lubricate food movement, as well as to protect the stomach wall from digestion by the gastric enzymes. The pyloric glands also secrete the hormone gastrin, which plays a key role in controlling gastric secretion, as we discuss shortly.