Question

Which of the following associations between the type of gastric cell or gland and its secretions is correct? A. Mucous cells- \(\mathrm{HCl}\) B. Chief cells-pepsinogen C. Parietal cells-mucus D. Pyloric glands-gastric juice

Short answer

B. Chief cells-pepsinogen

Step-by-step solution

Identify the cell types or glands

List the gastric cell types or glands mentioned in the options: Mucous cells, Chief cells, Parietal cells, and Pyloric glands.

Recall the function of each cell or gland

Remember what each of the following cells or glands secrete: Mucous cells secrete mucus; Chief cells secrete pepsinogen; Parietal cells secrete \(\text{HCl}\); Pyloric glands contribute to mucus and regulatory hormones.

Match the correct associations

Compare the given associations with the functions: A. Mucous cells- \(\text{HCl}\) (Incorrect, Mucous cells secrete mucus) B. Chief cells-pepsinogen (Correct, Chief cells secrete pepsinogen) C. Parietal cells-mucus (Incorrect, Parietal cells secrete \(\text{HCl}\)) D. Pyloric glands-gastric juice (Partially Correct, but more accurate for mucus and regulatory hormones)

Determine the correct answer

Based on the matches, the correct association is between Chief cells and pepsinogen.

Key concepts

Mucous Cells

Mucous cells are a vital part of the stomach lining. They secrete mucus, which plays a crucial role in protecting the stomach's inner walls. This mucus forms a thick, protective barrier that prevents the corrosive gastric acid from damaging the stomach tissues. Without this mucus, the stomach lining can become vulnerable to ulcers and other injuries.

In summary, remember that:

• Mucous cells are responsible for secreting mucus.
• This secretion is essential for protecting the stomach lining from the acidic environment.

Chief Cells

Chief cells are another type of cell found in the stomach. Their primary function is to secrete pepsinogen. Pepsinogen is an inactive enzyme, which becomes active in the presence of stomach acid, converting into pepsin. Pepsin is vital for digesting proteins into smaller peptides.

Quick points to remember:

• Chief cells secrete the enzyme precursor pepsinogen.
• Pepsinogen is activated into pepsin, which helps in protein digestion.

Parietal Cells

Parietal cells, also known as oxyntic cells, play a key role in the digestive process. These cells are responsible for secreting hydrochloric acid (HCl). This secretion is crucial for maintaining the acidic environment of the stomach, which helps in the breakdown of food and activates digestive enzymes like pepsinogen into pepsin. Additionally, parietal cells secrete intrinsic factor, necessary for vitamin B12 absorption in the small intestine.

Important points about parietal cells include:

• Secrete hydrochloric acid (HCl) which helps digest food.
• Secrete intrinsic factor, necessary for vitamin B12 absorption.

Pyloric Glands

Pyloric glands are located in the lower part of the stomach, near the pylorus. These glands have a dual function. They secrete mucus to help protect the lining of the stomach, similar to mucous cells. Additionally, pyloric glands are involved in secreting regulatory hormones such as gastrin, which helps to regulate gastric acid secretion and overall digestive activity.

Key takeaways about pyloric glands are:

• Secrete mucus to protect the stomach lining.
• Release regulatory hormones like gastrin.