Cardiac glands

Cardiac glands are a type of exocrine gland found in the human body, specifically in the stomach. They are named for their location near the "cardia" or the opening where the esophagus joins the stomach.

Structure

Cardiac glands are located in the mucous membrane lining the stomach, in a region known as the cardiac region. They are tubular in structure and are lined by columnar epithelium. The glands are composed of mucus-secreting cells, which produce a protective layer of mucus to shield the stomach lining from the acidic gastric juices.

Function

The primary function of the cardiac glands is to secrete mucus. This mucus serves as a protective barrier, preventing the stomach lining from being eroded by the acidic gastric juices. The mucus also helps to lubricate the passage of food down the esophagus into the stomach.

Clinical significance

Abnormalities in the cardiac glands can lead to a variety of gastrointestinal diseases. For example, gastritis, an inflammation of the stomach lining, can occur if the glands do not produce enough mucus to protect the stomach lining from the acidic gastric juices. In addition, cancer of the stomach often begins in the cardiac glands.

See also

• Gastric glands
• Pyloric glands
• Gastrointestinal tract