Multiple Choice
Which of the following is NOT a function of the stomach?
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23. The Digestive System
The Stomach
2:24 minutesProblem 22
Textbook Question
Describe the role of these cells found in gastric glands: parietal, chief, mucous neck, and enteroendocrine.
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Parietal cells: These cells are responsible for secreting hydrochloric acid (HCl) into the stomach lumen. HCl helps maintain the acidic environment of the stomach, which is essential for protein digestion and activating the enzyme pepsin. Parietal cells also produce intrinsic factor, a glycoprotein necessary for vitamin B12 absorption in the small intestine.
Chief cells: These cells secrete pepsinogen, an inactive precursor of the enzyme pepsin. When pepsinogen comes into contact with HCl in the stomach, it is converted into active pepsin, which breaks down proteins into smaller peptides. Chief cells also produce gastric lipase, which aids in the digestion of lipids.
Mucous neck cells: These cells secrete mucus that helps protect the stomach lining from the corrosive effects of gastric acid and digestive enzymes. The mucus forms a protective barrier, preventing damage to the epithelial cells of the stomach wall.
Enteroendocrine cells: These cells release hormones and signaling molecules into the bloodstream or local tissues to regulate digestive processes. For example, G cells (a type of enteroendocrine cell) secrete gastrin, which stimulates the secretion of gastric acid by parietal cells and promotes stomach motility.
Each type of cell in the gastric glands plays a specialized role in digestion and maintaining the health of the stomach lining, ensuring efficient breakdown of food and protection from the harsh acidic environment.
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Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Parietal Cells
Parietal cells, located in the gastric glands of the stomach, are responsible for secreting hydrochloric acid (HCl) and intrinsic factor. The HCl creates an acidic environment that aids in digestion and helps kill pathogens, while intrinsic factor is essential for vitamin B12 absorption in the intestines.
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Chief Cells
Chief cells are another type of cell found in gastric glands, primarily responsible for producing pepsinogen, an inactive precursor of the enzyme pepsin. When pepsinogen is exposed to the acidic environment created by parietal cells, it is converted into pepsin, which plays a crucial role in protein digestion.
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Enteroendocrine Cells
Enteroendocrine cells are specialized cells in the gastric glands that secrete various hormones, such as gastrin. These hormones regulate digestive processes, including stimulating gastric acid secretion and promoting gastric motility, thereby coordinating the digestive response to food intake.
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