Oxyntic mucosa

MyPathologyReport
July 31, 2023

What is oxyntic mucosa?

Oxyntic mucosa is the thin layer of tissue that covers the inside surface of the body (fundus) of the stomach. Other names for oxyntic mucosa include body-type mucosa and fundic-type mucosa.

What is the function of oxyntic mucosa?

Oxyntic mucosa is made up of glands that produce acid, intrinsic factor, and pepsinogen. Acid is made by specialized parietal cells normally found in the oxyntic glands. It helps to chemically break down food in the stomach. Intrinsic factor is also made by parietal cells. It is a protein that helps the body absorb vitamin B12. Pepsinogen is made by specialized zymogen cells normally found in the oxyntic glands. It is a type of protein called an enzyme that helps break down the proteins found in foods.

What does it mean if oxyntic mucosa shows chronic inflammation?

Oxyntic mucosa with chronic inflammation means that specialized immune cells, specifically lymphocytes and plasma cells were seen on the inside surface of the stomach when the tissue was examined under the microscope. Common causes of chronic inflammation in this part of the stomach include infection with Helicobacter pylori, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and autoimmune gastritis.

What does oxyntic mucosa with intestinal metaplasia mean?

Oxyntic mucosa with intestinal metaplasia means that some of the cells on the inside of the stomach have changed so that they look and behave more like cells normally found on the inside of the small intestine. Common causes of intestinal metaplasia involving oxyntic mucosa include long-standing infection with Helicobacter pylori, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and autoimmune gastritis.

What does oxyntic mucosa with reactive changes mean?

Oxyntic mucosa is described as showing reactive changes when the cells have become injured and look abnormal when examined under the microscope. Common causes of reactive changes include infection with Helicobacter pylori, medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), excessive alcohol consumption, and autoimmune gastritis.