The gastric mucosal barrier is the property of the

stomach The stomach is a muscular, hollow organ in the gastrointestinal tract of humans and many other animals, including several invertebrates. The stomach has a dilated structure and functions as a vital organ in the digestive system. The stomach i ...

that allows it to safely contain the gastric acid required for digestion. If the barrier is broken, as by

acetylsalicylic acid Aspirin, also known as acetylsalicylic acid (ASA), is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to reduce pain, fever, and/or inflammation, and as an antithrombotic. Specific inflammatory conditions which aspirin is used to treat ...

(ASA, aspirin) in acid solution, acid diffuses back into the mucosa where it can cause damage to the stomach itself. The barrier consists of three protective components.sinclair.edu
/ref> These provide the additional resistance for the mucosal surface of the stomach. The three components include: * A compact epithelial cell lining. Cells in the epithelium of the stomach are bound by tight junctions that repel harsh fluids that may injure the stomach lining. * A special mucus covering, derived from mucus secreted by surface epithelial cells and

Foveolar cells Foveolar cells or surface mucous cells are mucus-producing cells which cover the inside of the stomach, protecting it from the corrosive nature of gastric acid. These cells line the gastric mucosa (mucous neck cells are found in the necks of the ...

. This insoluble mucus forms a protective gel-like coating over the entire surface of the gastric mucosa. The mucus protects the gastric mucosa from autodigestion by e.g.

pepsin Pepsin is an endopeptidase that breaks down proteins into smaller peptides. It is produced in the gastric chief cells of the stomach lining and is one of the main digestive enzymes in the digestive systems of humans and many other animals, w ...

and from erosion by acids and other caustic materials that are ingested. *

Bicarbonate In inorganic chemistry, bicarbonate (IUPAC-recommended nomenclature: hydrogencarbonate) is an intermediate form in the deprotonation of carbonic acid. It is a polyatomic anion with the chemical formula . Bicarbonate serves a crucial biochem ...

ions, secreted by the surface epithelial cells. The bicarbonate ions act to neutralize harsh acids.

Factors that can damage the barrier

- Bacterial Infection by ''Helicobacter pylori'' - Alcohol - Non Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) like aspirin

References

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Factors that can damage the barrier

See also

References

Further reading