Sandbox cerebral palsy
Pathophysiology
Mucosal barrier
- The gastric mucosa is protected from the acidic environment by mucus, bicarbonate, prostaglandins, and blood flow.
- This mucosal barrier consists of three protective components which include:
- Layer of epithelial cells lining.
- Layer of mucus, secreted by surface epithelial cells and Foveolar cells.
- Bicarbonate ions, secreted by the surface epithelial cells.
Mechanism of Action
- The 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 and from erosion by acids and other caustic materials that are ingested.
- The bicarbonate ions act to neutralize harsh acids.
- If the balance of gastric acid secretion and mucosal defenses is disrupted, acid interacts with the epithelium to cause damage
| Defense mechanisms of
Gastric mucosal barrier | |
|---|---|
| Mucus layer | Forms a protective gel-like coating over the entire gastric mucosal surface |
| Epithelial layer | Epithelial cell layer are bound by tight junctions that repel fluids |
| Bicarbonate ions | Neutralize acids |