What is the of stomach cell that secretes hydrochloric acid?

The stomach cells that secrete hydrochloric acid are called parietal cells. Also known as oxyntic cells, these cells are found in the gastric glands of the stomach lining. Parietal cells play a crucial role in the digestion process by producing hydrochloric acid (HCl) and intrinsic factor.

Here are some key points about parietal cells:

Location: Parietal cells are located in the gastric glands, which are small, tube-like structures present in the stomach lining.

Function: The primary function of parietal cells is to secrete hydrochloric acid. HCl helps in creating the acidic environment in the stomach, which is necessary for several digestive processes, including:

Activation of pepsin: Pepsin, an enzyme involved in protein digestion, requires an acidic environment for its activation. Hydrochloric acid provides this acidic medium, allowing pepsin to break down proteins into smaller peptides.

Denaturation of proteins: The acidic environment also helps in denaturing proteins, disrupting their structure and making them more susceptible to enzymatic digestion.

Absorption of certain nutrients: Hydrochloric acid plays a role in the absorption of certain nutrients, such as iron and vitamin B12, by enhancing their solubility and facilitating their passage through the intestinal wall.

Intrinsic factor production: In addition to secreting hydrochloric acid, parietal cells also produce intrinsic factor. Intrinsic factor is a glycoprotein essential for the absorption of vitamin B12 in the small intestine.

Regulation of secretion: The secretion of hydrochloric acid by parietal cells is tightly regulated by various mechanisms, including:

Neural regulation: The nervous system, through the vagus nerve, stimulates the release of gastrin, a hormone that promotes the secretion of hydrochloric acid.

Hormonal regulation: Gastrin, produced by G cells in the stomach, also stimulates parietal cell secretion.

Autocrine regulation: Parietal cells themselves secrete somatostatin, which acts as a negative feedback mechanism to inhibit further hydrochloric acid production.

By producing hydrochloric acid and intrinsic factor, parietal cells play a vital role in the digestive process, facilitating the breakdown and absorption of nutrients.