Gastric epithelial cell

Gastric epithelial cells form the lining of the stomach mucosa, invaginating into gastric pits and glands. They include specialized subtypes such as surface mucous (foveolar) cells that secrete protective mucus, parietal cells that produce hydrochloric acid, chief cells that secrete pepsinogen, and neuroendocrine cells (e.g., G-cells, ECL cells) that regulate acid secretion via gastrin and histamine. These cells arise from multipotent stem cells in the isthmus region, undergo rapid renewal (2-3 days for surface cells), and coordinate digestion, barrier protection, and response to food presence. Not a specific therapeutic target like a receptor or enzyme; instead, a collective cell population implicated in gastric physiology and cancer[1][3][7][8][9][13].

Other names

Gastric mucosa cellsStomach epithelial cellsSurface mucous cellsFoveolar cellsGastric pit cells