Mucous neck cells

Definition

Mucous neck cells are specialized epithelial cells located in the upper part of the gastric glands in the stomach, responsible for secreting mucus. This mucus plays a critical role in protecting the lining of the stomach from acidic gastric juices.

Related terms

Gastric Glands: Gastric glands are glands located within the lining of the stomach that secrete various substances necessary for digestion, including hydrochloric acid and digestive enzymes.

Hydrochloric Acid: A potent acid secreted into the stomach by parietal cells, essential for breaking down foods and killing ingested pathogens.

Epithelial Cells: These are cells forming the epithelium, a protective tissue covering internal organs and other internal surfaces of the body, involved in functions such as secretion and absorption