OXYNTIC CELLS Meaning and
Definition
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Oxyntic cells refer to a specific type of cells predominantly found in the gastric glands of the stomach lining. Also known as parietal cells, these specialized cells play a vital role in the production of gastric acid, essential for the process of digestion. The term "oxyntic" originates from the Greek word "oxy", meaning acidic or sharp, which reflects the primary function of these cells.
Oxyntic cells are primarily responsible for synthesizing and secreting hydrochloric acid (HCl). This acid concentration helps in breaking down food, aiding the digestion process by creating an optimum environment for the action of digestive enzymes. Additionally, these cells also secrete intrinsic factor, which is crucial for absorption of vitamin B12 in the small intestine.
Structurally, oxyntic cells possess unique features that enable them to perform their function effectively. They consist of numerous intracellular structures known as tubulovesicles, which house the necessary molecules involved in acid production. Furthermore, these cells possess an extensive network of canaliculi or tiny channels that allow the secretion of gastric acid into the stomach lumen.
Dysfunction or damage to oxyntic cells can result in various digestive disorders such as hypochlorhydria (low stomach acid) or achlorhydria (absence of stomach acid), which can lead to impaired digestion and nutrient absorption. These conditions can have detrimental effects on overall health and may require medical interventions to promote normal gastric acid secretion.
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Parietal cells, large oval or spherical granular cells in the cardiac gastric glands, secreting the acid of the gastric juice.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for OXYNTIC CELLS
- ixyntic cells
- kxyntic cells
- lxyntic cells
- pxyntic cells
- 0xyntic cells
- 9xyntic cells
- ozyntic cells
- ocyntic cells
- odyntic cells
- osyntic cells
- oxtntic cells
- oxgntic cells
- oxhntic cells
- oxuntic cells
- ox7ntic cells
- ox6ntic cells
- oxybtic cells
- oxymtic cells
- oxyjtic cells
- oxyhtic cells
Etymology of OXYNTIC CELLS
The word "oxyntic cells" is derived from the Greek word "oxyntikos", meaning "acidic" or "sharp". These cells are specialized cells found in the inner lining of the stomach known as the gastric mucosa. Oxyntic cells are responsible for producing hydrochloric acid and intrinsic factor, which are essential for the process of digestion.
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