THE ALIMENTARY CANAL 



349 



mucous glands whose ducts enter the mucous membrane and open upon 

 the free epithelial surface. The secreting acini of these glands are 

 short branching tubules with ampullary dilatations; they possess a 

 characteristic, tortuous form. Their columnar secreting cells have a 

 strong affinity for muchematein and other mucous stains. This basophil 





FIG. 326. LONGITUDINAL, SECTION THROUGH REGION OP TRANSITION FROM ESOPHA- 

 GUS (RIGHT) TO CARDIAC END OP STOMACH (LEFT). X22. 



reaction, together with the situation of their isolated groups of secreting 

 acini in tlie submucosa, sharply distinguishes the esophageal mucous 

 glands from the glands of the stomach and intestine, except those of the 

 duodenum. 



The number of the esophageal glands in man is extremely variable. 

 This numerical variability is associated with frequent cyst formation, 

 stasis of secretion, and atrophy of the glandular elements; conditions 

 indicating small functional significance. In certain mammals, e.g., 

 rodents, ox, horse, sheep, cat, and bat, glands are entirely lacking; 



