foveola gastricae

anatomy

Also known as: gastric pit

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Last updated

June 26, 2026

Quick Summary

The foveolae gastricae are small pits observed on the inner surface of the stomach's gastric mucosa when the protective mucus layer is removed. These pits are openings for gastric glands, with approximately 90 to 100 pits per square millimeter of stomach lining. Three to seven gastric glands empty their secretions into each pit.1

The gastric mucosa itself is a mucous membrane lining the stomach, covered by a thick mucus layer secreted by columnar epithelial cells. This mucus serves to lubricate food and protect the stomach lining from its own digestive enzymes and acids. The acidity within this mucus layer is neutral near the epithelium and becomes more acidic towards the stomach's lumen. The gastric glands within the stomach wall are responsible for secreting gastric juice and protective mucus.12

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human digestive system
Gastric mucosa
…surface epithelium, small pits, called foveolae gastricae, may be observed with a magnifying glass. There are approximately 90 to 100 gastric pits per square millimetre (58,000 to 65,000 per square inch) of surface epithelium. Three to seven individual gastric glands empty their secretions into each gastric pit. Beneath the gastric…
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…surface epithelium, small pits, called foveolae gastricae, may be observed with a magnifying glass. There are approximately 90 to 100 gastric pits per square millimetre (58,000 to 65,000 per square inch) of surface epithelium. Three to seven individual gastric glands empty their secretions into each gastric pit. Beneath the gastric…
Read More