Columnar cells in the stomach secrete:

Appeared in: BTSC Staff Nurse 1 August-2025

Explanation

The columnar cells lining the stomach surface are specialized mucous cells.
These cells produce and secrete mucin, the primary component of the protective mucus layer in the stomach.
This mucus barrier is crucial for protecting the gastric epithelium from self-digestion by hydrochloric acid and pepsin.
The image provided visually confirms this, showing 'Surface mucous cells' at the top of the gastric pit, consistent with their role in lining the stomach.

Option A: Pepsinogen is an inactive proenzyme (zymogen) that is secreted by chief cells (or peptic cells), which are located deeper within the gastric glands, not by the surface columnar cells.
Option B: Gastrin is a hormone, not a digestive secretion. It is secreted by enteroendocrine cells called G cells, which are primarily found in the pyloric antrum of the stomach.
Option D: Hydrogen ions (H+), which combine with chloride ions (Cl-) to form hydrochloric acid (HCl), are secreted by parietal cells (or oxyntic cells). These cells are also located within the gastric glands, not on the surface.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain This question tests knowledge of the specific secretions of the different cell types found in the gastric mucosa as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Understanding gastric secretions is fundamental to comprehending the pathophysiology of conditions like peptic ulcer disease and gastritis.
The protective mucus layer secreted by columnar cells can be compromised by factors like H. pylori infection or the use of Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs), leading to mucosal injury.
Nursing care for patients with gastric issues often involves administering medications that either reduce acid production (like proton pump inhibitors acting on parietal cells) or protect the mucosal lining (like sucralfate).

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key term in the question: 'Columnar cells in the stomach'.
Recall the histology of the stomach lining. The surface is lined by simple columnar epithelium, which are specialized mucous cells.
Connect the cell type to its primary function. The main role of surface mucous cells is protection.
Evaluate the options based on this function. Mucin is the substance that forms the protective mucus.
Eliminate the other options by associating them with their correct cell of origin: Pepsinogen from chief cells, Gastrin from G cells, and Hydrogen ions from parietal cells.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: This question tests knowledge of the specific secretions of the different cell types found in the gastric mucosa.
Stem keywords: Columnar cells, stomach, secrete
Lead-in keywords: BEST, MOST RELEVANT CLUE

QeXRjw0XPu-j3iaz7kVWGE

E6 Histology Inderbir 11e pp. 38-40, 37-39

E6 Pathology-Textbook of PATHOLOGYHarsh Mohan Part 3 (515-969) p. 28-30

Practise the full BTSC Staff Nurse 1 August-2025

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.