Final answer:
The false statement about chief cells is that they secrete HCI. In reality, chief cells secrete pepsinogen, while HCI is secreted by parietal cells, also found in the gastric glands.
Step-by-step explanation:
All of the following are true of chief cells EXCEPT:
- a) They are part of the gastric glands.
- b) They are present in the stomach mucosa.
- c) They secrete HCI. This statement is false.
- d) They secrete pepsin (in its inactive form, pepsinogen).
Chief cells are located primarily in the basal regions of gastric glands within the stomach's mucosa. They secrete pepsinogen, the inactive proenzyme form of pepsin. They do not secrete hydrochloric acid (HCI), which is instead secreted by parietal cells. Parietal cells are also found in the gastric glands, and the HCI they produce is essential for the conversion of pepsinogen into its active form, pepsin, and for maintaining a highly acidic environment in the stomach.