Final answer:
Parietal cells in the stomach produce hydrochloric acid (HCl), which is essential for digestion by activating enzymes and killing bacteria, and also secrete intrinsic factor for vitamin B12 absorption.
Step-by-step explanation:
The cells that produce hydrochloric acid (HCl) in the stomach are known as parietal cells. These cells are located primarily in the middle region of the gastric glands. Parietal cells are responsible for creating the highly acidic environment in the stomach, with a pH ranging from 1.5 to 3.5. This acidity is crucial as it activates pepsin, a protein-digesting enzyme, and helps to denature proteins for enzymatic digestion. Additionally, the acid kills many of the bacteria ingested with food. Parietal cells also secrete intrinsic factor, which is necessary for the absorption of vitamin B12 in the small intestine.
The parietal cells in the gastric glands are responsible for producing hydrochloric acid (HCl) in the stomach. HCl is important for creating the highly acidic environment (pH 1.5 to 3.5) in the stomach that aids in the digestion of proteins.
The other cells mentioned, such as chief cells, mucous cells, G cells, and enteroendocrine cells, have different functions but do not directly produce HCl.