Chief cells __.
A) occur in the intestine
B) produce HCl
C) are found in the basal regions of the gastric glands
D) produce mucin
The correct answer and explanation is :
The correct answer is C) are found in the basal regions of the gastric glands.
Explanation:
Chief cells, also known as zymogenic cells, are specialized cells in the stomach that play a critical role in digestion. They are primarily located in the basal regions of the gastric glands, which are found in the lining of the stomach. These cells are responsible for producing and secreting pepsinogen, an inactive precursor of the enzyme pepsin. Pepsinogen is then converted into its active form, pepsin, in the acidic environment of the stomach. Pepsin is essential for the breakdown of proteins during digestion.
The stomach contains several different types of cells, each performing unique functions:
- Parietal cells: These cells are responsible for secreting hydrochloric acid (HCl), which lowers the pH of the stomach and activates pepsinogen into pepsin. They also produce intrinsic factor, which is necessary for the absorption of vitamin B12 in the small intestine.
- Chief cells: These are the cells primarily responsible for the production of pepsinogen, which aids in protein digestion. Chief cells are located deeper within the gastric glands, specifically in the basal (bottom) region, which is closer to the underlying tissue of the stomach lining.
- Mucous cells: These cells secrete mucus, which protects the stomach lining from the corrosive effects of the acidic gastric juice.
- Enteroendocrine cells: These cells release hormones that help regulate various digestive processes, such as gastrin, which stimulates the secretion of gastric acid.
Chief cells do not produce hydrochloric acid (HCl) nor mucin. The production of HCl is the responsibility of parietal cells, while mucin, which helps protect the stomach lining, is produced by mucous cells. Therefore, the correct answer is that chief cells are found in the basal regions of the gastric glands, where they produce pepsinogen to aid in protein digestion.