What does the parietal cell in stomach make?

The parietal cell in the stomach is responsible for producing hydrochloric acid (HCl) and intrinsic factor.

- Hydrochloric acid: HCl plays a crucial role in the digestive process by creating an acidic environment in the stomach. It helps in the denaturation of ingested proteins, facilitating their digestion by enzymes like pepsin. Additionally, the low pH created by HCl activates pepsinogen into its active form, pepsin. Moreover, the acidic environment of the stomach is essential for the absorption of certain minerals, such as iron and calcium.

- Intrinsic factor: Intrinsic factor is a glycoprotein produced by the parietal cells. It is essential for the absorption of vitamin B12 in the small intestine. Vitamin B12 is a vital nutrient involved in the synthesis of red blood cells and the proper functioning of the nervous system. Without sufficient intrinsic factor, the absorption of vitamin B12 is impaired, which can lead to vitamin B12 deficiency and associated conditions like pernicious anemia.

The production of both hydrochloric acid and intrinsic factor by parietal cells is regulated by various factors, including hormones and neural signals.