GASTRIC FOLLICLE Meaning and
Definition
-
A gastric follicle refers to a small, localized structure found within the lining of the stomach, specifically within the gastric mucosa. Typically, these follicles are made up of a cluster of cells called gastric glands, which secrete various substances that are essential for digestion and stomach function. The gastric follicles play a vital role in maintaining the balance of the stomach environment, ensuring optimal digestion and absorption of nutrients.
Within the gastric mucosa, there are different types of gastric follicles, including oxyntic glands and pyloric glands. Oxyntic glands, also known as fundic glands, are found primarily in the body of the stomach and produce hydrochloric acid, necessary for breaking down food and killing bacteria. Pyloric glands are located in the antrum, the lower portion of the stomach, and secrete mucus and hormones like gastrin, which regulates stomach acid production.
In addition to acid secretion, gastric follicles also produce enzymes such as pepsinogen, which is converted into pepsin to aid in protein digestion. They also secrete intrinsic factor, a glycoprotein necessary for the absorption of vitamin B12 in the small intestine.
Overall, the gastric follicles are instrumental in maintaining the proper functioning of the stomach through the production and regulation of various essential substances.
-
(1) One of the masses of lymphoid cells in the mucous membrane of the stomach; (2) One of the tubular glands of the stomach secreting the gastric juice.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for GASTRIC FOLLICLE
- gastric folliclu
- gastric folliclm
- gastric follicla
- gastric folliclg
- g astric follicle
- ga stric follicle
- gas tric follicle
- gast ric follicle
- gastr ic follicle
- gastri c follicle
- gastric f ollicle
- gastric fo llicle
- gastric fol licle
- gastric foll icle
- gastric folli cle
- gastric follic le
- gastric follicl e
Etymology of GASTRIC FOLLICLE
The term "gastric follicle" is composed of two main parts: "gastric" and "follicle".
1. Gastric:
The word "gastric" relates to the stomach or gastric system. It is derived from the Latin word "gaster" meaning "stomach". This, in turn, originated from the Greek word "gastēr" with the same meaning. The term "gastric" is often used to describe things related to the stomach or its functions.
2. Follicle:
"Follicle" comes from the Latin word "folliculus", meaning "small bag" or "sac". The Latin term was derived from the earlier Latin word "follis", which means "bellows" or "airbag". In anatomy and biology, a follicle typically refers to a small, spherical cavity or sac.
