The cells of gastric gland that secrete hydrochloric acid found in gastric juice are called?

AIIMS Bhuvneshwar NO- 2018

Applied Physiology

Easy

Appeared in: AIIMS Bhuvneshwar NO- 2018

Explanation

Parietal cells, also known as oxyntic cells, are specialized epithelial cells located in the gastric glands found in the lining of the stomach.
Their primary function is to secrete hydrochloric acid (HCl), which lowers the pH of the stomach to create an acidic environment essential for activating digestive enzymes and killing pathogens.
In addition to HCl, parietal cells are the sole source of intrinsic factor, a glycoprotein necessary for the absorption of vitamin B12 in the terminal ileum.

Option A: Neck cells, or mucous neck cells, are located in the 'neck' region of the gastric glands. Their primary function is to secrete a soluble mucus that helps lubricate food and protect the stomach lining, not to produce acid.
Option B: Chief cells, also called zymogenic cells, are responsible for secreting pepsinogen. Pepsinogen is an inactive proenzyme that is converted into the active protein-digesting enzyme pepsin by the hydrochloric acid secreted by parietal cells.
Option D: While mucous cells do exist in the stomach, their role is protective. Surface mucous cells line the entire stomach lumen and secrete a thick, alkaline mucus to shield the stomach wall from acid. They do not produce the acid itself.

Visual 1: Diagram: A cross-section of a gastric pit showing the different cell types (Parietal, Chief, Mucous neck, G-cells) and their relative locations within the gland. This helps visualize the cellular anatomy of the stomach lining.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: Knowing Physiology of Gastric Secretion and Gastric Gland Cells helps nurses interpret findings accurately and avoid errors in routine assessment, medication administration, and patient teaching.
Understanding parietal cell function is crucial for administering acid-suppressing medications like Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) (e.g., omeprazole), which directly block the H+/K+-ATPase pump on these cells to treat conditions like GERD and peptic ulcers.
A deficiency in intrinsic factor, produced by parietal cells, leads to pernicious anemia (a type of vitamin B12 deficiency). Nurses must monitor for symptoms like fatigue, glossitis (sore tongue), and neurological changes in at-risk patients (e.g., those with autoimmune gastritis or post-gastrectomy).
What if? If a patient has undergone a partial or total gastrectomy (surgical removal of the stomach), they lose a significant number of parietal cells. This would necessitate lifelong vitamin B12 injections to prevent pernicious anemia, as oral supplements cannot be absorbed without intrinsic factor.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key terms in the question: 'gastric gland' and 'secrete hydrochloric acid'.
This is a factual recall question requiring knowledge of gastrointestinal physiology.
Mentally review the different cell types found in the stomach's gastric glands and their primary secretions.
Associate each cell type with its function: Chief cells secrete pepsinogen; Mucous cells secrete mucus; G-cells secrete gastrin; Parietal cells secrete HCl and intrinsic factor.
Compare this knowledge with the given options and select the one that correctly links the cell type to the secretion of hydrochloric acid.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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