Intrinsic factor is produced by which gastric cell type?

Intrinsic factor is produced by which gastric cell type?

• A. Parietal cells
• B. Chief cells
• C. G cells
• D. Mucous cells

Answer: (A)

Intrinsic factor is produced by parietal cells in the stomach. These cells, also known as oxyntic cells, are responsible for secreting both hydrochloric acid and intrinsic factor. Intrinsic factor is a glycoprotein essential for the intestinal absorption of vitamin B12; it binds B12 in the stomach and forms a complex that is taken up in the terminal ileum. Without intrinsic factor, vitamin B12 cannot be efficiently absorbed, leading to pernicious anemia if deficiency persists. Chief cells release pepsinogen, G cells release gastrin, and mucous cells secrete protective mucus; none of these produce intrinsic factor.

Intrinsic factor is produced by parietal cells in the stomach. These cells, also known as oxyntic cells, are responsible for secreting both hydrochloric acid and intrinsic factor. Intrinsic factor is a glycoprotein essential for the intestinal absorption of vitamin B12; it binds B12 in the stomach and forms a complex that is taken up in the terminal ileum. Without intrinsic factor, vitamin B12 cannot be efficiently absorbed, leading to pernicious anemia if deficiency persists. Chief cells release pepsinogen, G cells release gastrin, and mucous cells secrete protective mucus; none of these produce intrinsic factor.