What is the major histological difference between fundic (body/fundus) gastric glands and pyloric glands?

• A. Fundic glands mucus-secreting; pyloric glands parietal and chief cells.
• B. Fundic glands produce hormones; pyloric glands secrete hydrochloric acid.
• C. Fundic glands secrete mucus; pyloric glands secrete pepsinogen.
• D. Fundic glands contain parietal and chief cells; pyloric glands are mucus-secreting with prominent mucous cells and few parietal cells.

Answer: (D)

The main difference lies in the cell types each region develops to perform its function. Fundic (body/fundus) glands are geared toward acid and enzyme production, so they contain parietal cells that secrete hydrochloric acid and intrinsic factor, and chief cells that produce pepsinogen. In contrast, pyloric glands of the antrum are primarily mucus-secreting, lined by mucous-producing cells, and they contain relatively few parietal cells (and few chief cells). This arrangement matches their roles: acidic and enzymatic digestion in the fundus versus mucus protection and regulation of digestion with gastrin signaling in the antrum. The best description, then, is that fundic glands have parietal and chief cells, while pyloric glands are mucus-secreting with few parietal cells.