Question

HCl is secreted by which of the following cells of the stomach.
A. Chief cells
B. Parietal cell (Oxyntic cells)
C. Peptic cells
D. Goblet cells

Answer 1

The stomach is a hollow, J-shaped structure of the alimentary canal. The cells are present in the gastric glands that are found in the lining of the fundus and cardia region of the stomach. These cells also secrete the intrinsic factor.

Complete answer:
The gastric acid is a digestive fluid which is colourless, watery and acidic produced in the stomach. It is the main secretion along with many other enzymes and intrinsic factors. The gastric acid contains hydrochloric acid, potassium chloride and sodium chloride in the stomach lumen. The pH of gastric acid is about 1 to 2. The gastric acid is produced by the parietal cells or Oxyntic cell in the stomach. The secretory network is called canaliculi in the parietal cell from which gastric acid is secreted into the lumen of the stomach. These cells are found in the epithelial fundic glands of the gastric mucosa. The acidity of the stomach is maintained by the pump of the proton H+/K+ ATPase.
The acidic medium of the stomach helps to denature the protein structure present in the food we eat. The protein loses the characteristic folded structures due to which peptide bonds get exposed. The chief cell in the stomach secretes the enzymes that are inactive pepsinogen and rennin for the breakdown of the protein. The inactivated pepsinogen turns into the active enzyme called pepsin by the gastric acid. Finally, the pepsin breaks the bond linking the amino acid by a process called proteolysis. The acidic medium also inhibited the growth of the microorganisms which is helping to prevent infection.

Hence, the correct answer is option (B).

Note: The secretion of the gastric acid done in three phases: the cephalic phase, gastric phase and intestinal phase.
The production of gastric acid is regulated by the autonomic nervous system and also by several hormones.