OXYNTIC GLAND Meaning and
Definition
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Oxyntic glands are a type of gland found in the stomach that are responsible for the production and secretion of hydrochloric acid and intrinsic factor. These glands are primarily located in the gastric fundus and body regions of the stomach.
The term "oxyntic" is derived from the Greek word "oxyntos," meaning "sharp" or "acidic." This epithet aptly describes the main function of these glands, as they secrete hydrochloric acid to aid in the digestion of food. Hydrochloric acid plays a crucial role in the stomach's ability to break down proteins and other nutrients, as well as in activating enzymes involved in digestion.
In addition to hydrochloric acid, oxyntic glands also produce intrinsic factor. Intrinsic factor is essential for the absorption of vitamin B12 in the small intestine. This vitamin is important for the production of healthy red blood cells and the maintenance of healthy nerve cells.
Oxyntic glands consist of different types of cells, including parietal cells and chief cells. Parietal cells are responsible for secreting hydrochloric acid and intrinsic factor, while chief cells produce pepsinogen, an inactive precursor of the enzyme pepsin, which helps break down proteins.
Overall, the oxyntic glands are vital components of the stomach's gastric acid production and digestive processes.
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Acid gland, see glandula gastrica.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for OXYNTIC GLAND
- ixyntic gland
- kxyntic gland
- lxyntic gland
- pxyntic gland
- 0xyntic gland
- 9xyntic gland
- ozyntic gland
- ocyntic gland
- odyntic gland
- osyntic gland
- oxtntic gland
- oxgntic gland
- oxhntic gland
- oxuntic gland
- ox7ntic gland
- ox6ntic gland
- oxybtic gland
- oxymtic gland
- oxyjtic gland
- oxyhtic gland
Etymology of OXYNTIC GLAND
The word "oxyntic gland" comes from a combination of two Greek terms: "oxyntic" and "gland".
1. "Oxyntic" (οξύς, oxys) is a Greek word meaning "acid" or "sour".
2. "Gland" derives from the Latin word "glandula", which means "a little acorn" and refers to a small, round object.
When these two terms are combined, "oxyntic gland" refers to a group of glands located in the stomach known for their secretion of gastric acid, which aids in the digestion process.
