| Abstract: | A large gland patch is found in the submucosa of the lesser curvature of the koala stomach near the entrance of the esophagus. It measures approximately 3 cm in diameter and is comprised of numerous invaginations continuous with the surrounding mucosa. The glandular invaginations drain into the lumen of the stomach by 25 to 30 large orifices. The mucosa of the gland patch invaginations differs from the mucosal lining of the stomach chiefly in thickness. The elongate gastric glands that comprise the invaginations exhibit an increased number of parietal and chief cells. Ultrastructural examination of the gland patch illustrates that the parietal, chief, and mucous neck cells are similar in structure to those of other mammalian species. |
