HCL is secreted by:

Question

HCL is secreted by:

Accepted Answer

The correct option is 1:

Oxyntic cells, also known as parietal cells, are specialized epithelial cells found predominantly in the gastric glands of the stomach lining. Their primary and crucial function is the secretion of hydrochloric acid (HCl), which is vital for digestion. This acid creates a highly acidic environment (pH 1.5-3.5) in the stomach, which serves several key purposes: it denatures proteins, making them easier for enzymes to break down; it activates pepsinogen into pepsin, the main protein-digesting enzyme in the stomach; and it kills most bacteria ingested with food, providing a protective barrier against pathogens. The secretion of HCl by oxyntic cells is a complex process involving various pumps and channels, prominently the H+/K+-ATPase, also known as the proton pump, which actively transports hydrogen ions into the stomach lumen in exchange for potassium ions.

The incorrect option is 2: Peptic cells.
Peptic cells, also known as chief cells, are responsible for secreting pepsinogen, the inactive precursor of the protein-digesting enzyme pepsin. They do not secrete hydrochloric acid. Pepsinogen is activated into pepsin by the acidic environment created by HCl.

The incorrect option is 3: Zymogen cells.
Zymogen cells is another name for chief cells or peptic cells. They secrete inactive enzyme precursors, such as pepsinogen, which are called zymogens. Therefore, like peptic cells, they are not involved in HCl secretion.

The incorrect option is 4: None of the above.
Since oxyntic cells (Option 1) are indeed responsible for secreting HCl, this option is incorrect.