Which cells of the gastric mucosa are responsible for secreting hydrochloric acid (HCl) and intrinsic factor for Vitamin B12 absorption?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: C. Oxyntic (Parietal) cells
- Step 1: The gastric mucosal glands of the stomach contain several functionally specialized secretory cell lineages.
- Step 2: Oxyntic (parietal) cells located in the fundic and body glands actively secrete hydrochloric acid () to acidify gastric contents and secrete Castle's intrinsic factor.
- Step 3: Intrinsic factor is a glycoprotein essential for the subsequent receptor-mediated absorption of cobalamin (Vitamin ) in the terminal ileum.
Answer
Oxyntic (Parietal) cells.
Why not the others: Peptic (Chief) cells secrete inactive pepsinogen zymogen and gastric lipase; Mucous neck cells secrete alkaline mucin to protect the gastric epithelium from acid corrosion; Enteroendocrine G cells secrete the peptide hormone gastrin into the bloodstream to stimulate acid production.
Practise more Human physiology.
Free questions with an explanation for every one, and full timed NEET UG mock tests.
More Human physiology questions
- Which hormone lowers blood glucose level?
- What is the structural and functional unit of the kidney?
- Which structure is known as the natural pacemaker of the heart?
- Gaseous exchange in the human lungs takes place in the
- Which pigment carries oxygen in human blood?
- What is the functional unit of the nervous system?