STOMACH. 



183 



polygonal, finely granular cells, containing one or two spher- 

 ical nuclei. They are smallest in fasting and increase in size 

 during digestion. In the fresh state they are clearer than the 

 chief cells, while in fixed preparations they are much darker 

 and less clear than these. They show a special affinity for 

 such stains as eosin, Congo-red, neutral carmine, etc. 



Those parietal cells which are not situated directly on the 

 gland lumen are connected with it by a secretory duct, which 

 breaks up into a number of secretory capillaries. These sur- 

 round the cells like a basket-work, and also project into its 

 interior. The cells which are situated along the edge of the 

 gland lumen do not possess a duct, as their secretory capillaries 

 empty directly into the gland lumen (Figs. 137 and 138). 



FIG. 137. 



FIG. 138. 



Longitudinal section of a fundus 

 gland of a mouse. Golgi impregna- 

 tion, x 125. 



From the fundus glands of a 

 mouse. Basket-shaped plexuses of 

 capillaries are seen to surround three 

 oxyntic cells and to open into the 

 gland lumen. X 600. 



Golgi's method is of special service in the investigation of 

 these capillaries. During digestion they are wider, being filled 

 with secretion. 



It is supposed generally that the parietal cells have the 

 property of secreting the acid contained in the gastric juice. 



The pyloric glands ( gl. pyloricce) are distinguished from the 



