Stomach tissue, also called gastric tissue, is the tissue that forms the stomach organ. The stomach is composed of many layers of tissue and glands. Stomach tissue is an essential part of digestion, which provides fuel for proper functioning of the rest of the body.

Scientists learn about stomach tissue through the study of histology. Histology is the study of the cells and tissues within plants and animals. Scientists learn about stomach tissue by studying the microscopic anatomy of the tissue. They can do this by looking through a light microscope or an electron microscope at a very thin section of stomach tissue.

The first layer of stomach tissue, from inside to outside, is classified as epithelial tissue. The stomach cells in epithelial tissue are tightly packed and form layered sheets. This layer of tissue helps to keep all of the organs separate and in place. Epithelial tissue also protects the organs. This tissue is not only in the stomach, but it can also be found surrounding the body's organs, in the outer layer of the skin, and on the inside of the mouth.

The glands of the stomach are formed in deep pits of the epithelial layer of stomach tissue. The different glands are named after the part of the stomach they belong to. The cardiac glands are located at the cardia, between the esophagus and the body of the stomach. The pyloric glands are in the pylorus section of the stomach, beneath the body of the stomach. Lastly, the fundic glands are in the fundus, which is at the top of the stomach.

Just outside the epithelial tissue is the lamina propria. This is a thin layer of loose connective tissue. It contains a moist lining of mucous membranes. Together with the epithelial tissue it makes up the mucosa, which secretes gastric acid to aid in digestion. It also absorbs nutrients from the stomach.

The next layer of stomach tissue is called the submucosa. It is located outside of the mucosa and is made of fibrous connective tissue. This type of tissue is made of collagenous and elastic fibers. Fibrous connective tissue does not contain any living cells and is mostly made of proteins and water. Ligaments and tendons are also made of this type of tissue. In the stomach, its primary purpose is to separate the mucosa from the smooth muscle layer of the stomach wall.

After the layers of muscle tissue called the muscular externa comes the serosa. This is the last layer of the stomach wall. This stomach tissue is composed of connective tissue. It connects to the serous membrane and is the lining that protects most of the organs within the abdomen.