Which gastric cells secrete HCl and intrinsic factor?

Which gastric cells secrete HCl and intrinsic factor?

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

Answer: (A)

Parietal cells, located in the fundic and body regions of the stomach, are responsible for secreting both hydrochloric acid and intrinsic factor. The acid creates a highly acidic environment that denatures proteins, activates pepsinogen to pepsin, and helps kill ingested microbes. Intrinsic factor is essential for vitamin B12 absorption in the ileum; without it, B12 deficiency can develop. The acid is produced by H+/K+-ATPase pumps on the parietal cell membranes, and their activity is stimulated by gastrin, histamine, and acetylcholine. Other gastric cell types include chief cells, which secrete pepsinogen; G cells, which release gastrin; and mucous cells, which produce protective mucus.

Parietal cells, located in the fundic and body regions of the stomach, are responsible for secreting both hydrochloric acid and intrinsic factor. The acid creates a highly acidic environment that denatures proteins, activates pepsinogen to pepsin, and helps kill ingested microbes. Intrinsic factor is essential for vitamin B12 absorption in the ileum; without it, B12 deficiency can develop. The acid is produced by H+/K+-ATPase pumps on the parietal cell membranes, and their activity is stimulated by gastrin, histamine, and acetylcholine. Other gastric cell types include chief cells, which secrete pepsinogen; G cells, which release gastrin; and mucous cells, which produce protective mucus.