Dorothy FarrarGastric mucosa
The stomach takes on numerous tasks in everyday life. In order to be able to fulfill these optimally, it is dependent on anatomical principles. The gastric mucosa in particular plays an important role. Illnesses can result in unpleasant symptoms.
Definition
The gastric mucosa is the surface that lines the inner stomach. This produces certain enzymes and substances to protect the stomach wall from the acidic pH value of the gastric juice . In a sober state, he achieves values of up to 1.5. In this way, the gastric mucosa ensures trouble-free digestion. Inflammation and other diseases are often associated with pain and discomfort after eating.
Anatomy
Anatomically, the gastric mucosa has a complex structure. It consists of several layers, which can only cope with their task as individual elements together. The folds of the gastric mucosa can be revealed with the help of an endoscope. These run from the esophagus to the stomach outlet and are collectively referred to as the stomach route, on which the food can quickly pass through the organ.
The exact structure of the gastric mucosa can be observed under the microscope. It generally resembles the mucous membrane that lines all digestive organs, but can be differentiated into three layers. The layers have different cells that perform different tasks. Seen from the inside, the lamina epithelialis represents the part that simultaneously produces the acid and the protective mucus.
The lamina propria follows. Their functions cannot be generalized. They differ depending on the location. The lamina muscularis closes the three layers on the outside. These are muscle fibers that allow the other layers to stretch and contract.
Function
The gastric mucosa has numerous functions. It produces different substances that are involved in the digestive tract and protect the stomach wall and intestines from the acidic environment of the gastric juice. The fluids are produced in different layers and cells.
At the entrance to the stomach, the cells produce a lot of mucus and a certain substance that destroys bacteria ingested through food : lysozyme. Digestion takes place in the middle of the stomach . Stomach acid is required for this to take place. The substances contained are able to split proteins into small chains of amino acids . Specific enzymes are released through the gastric mucosa, which break down fats. In this way, the beginning digestion in the stomach is made as efficient as possible.
Shortly before the exit from the stomach, the cells produce more mucus again. This increases the strongly acidic pH value of the gastric juice and prepares it for transport to the following intestine. The mucous membrane is about 0.5 centimeters thick. The innermost layer protects the stomach wall from acid attacks.
Without the lining of the stomach, the stomach would digest itself over time. It therefore plays an important role in numerous processes. The stomach breaks down the absorbed nutrients into smaller building blocks with enzymes, which are later absorbed in the intestine. Its function is therefore less the transport of carbohydrates , proteins and fats , but it makes them more accessible.
These steps can only be accomplished by the stomach through its mucous membrane because the layers produce all the necessary substances. Furthermore, the gastric acid destroys the further penetration and multiplication of pathogens through its pH value and the released lysozyme. In this way, the gastric mucosa prevents bacteria or viruses from being transported into the sections of the intestine.
Diseases
The balance can easily be thrown off balance and result in discomfort. As soon as the stomach hurts, the mucous membrane is often involved in the symptoms. For example, inflammation of the gastric mucosa can be responsible for the unpleasant symptoms. This is differentiated into an acute and a chronic disease. If an acute onset is not successfully treated, long-term flare-ups can develop.
Chronic inflammation of the gastric mucosa can be divided into five types. In most cases it can be autoimmune, bacterial or chemical. At the same time, the inflammation does not spread independently of the layers of the mucous membrane. Instead, it is initially only in the innermost layer. This in turn protects the stomach from bacteria and acid and causes pain in the event of injuries.
Such an inflammation can usually only be diagnosed via a gastroscopy , during which a tissue sample is taken. The causes often lie in excessive alcohol consumption or ingestion of spoiled food . Viruses or bacteria are usually behind the symptoms.
Stomach cramps after eating should always be checked out by a doctor because they occur for a variety of reasons. Sometimes the food itself plays a role. For example, they can irritate the gastric mucosa and stimulate an increased production of gastric acid.
Greasy and spicy foods, nicotine, coffee and alcohol are risk factors for gastric mucosal health once consumed on a regular basis. Legumes and cabbage contribute to increased gas formation, which causes the stomach to become bloated. The mucous membrane is irritated, minor injuries cannot be ruled out in acute cases.
Hello and welcome to my Health Guide & Encyclopedia! My name is Dorothy Farrar, and I'm the founder and main author of this platform.
My passion for health and wellness started at a young age when I became interested in the connection between the food we eat and the way we feel. This fascination led me to study nutrition and dietetics in college, where I learned about the importance of a balanced diet and the impact of various nutrients on the body.