Final answer:
The base of the intermediate gastric glands primarily contains chief cells that secrete pepsinogen necessary for protein digestion. Parietal cells, which produce hydrochloric acid and intrinsic factor, are found in the middle region of the glands. Enteroendocrine cells also present secrete hormones such as gastrin for digestive processes.
Step-by-step explanation:
At the base of the intermediate gastric glands, which are crucial during the gastric phase of digestion, are predominantly chief cells. These cells play a vital role in the digestive process by secreting pepsinogen, the inactive precursor of the enzyme pepsin that digests proteins. Pepsinogen is converted into pepsin through the action of hydrochloric acid (HCl), which is produced by parietal cells located primarily in the middle region of the gastric glands.
Parietal cells are not only responsible for the secretion of HCl, which creates a highly acidic environment in the stomach (pH 1.5 to 3.5) for the optimal activity of pepsin but also for producing intrinsic factor. This glycoprotein is essential for the absorption of vitamin B12 in the small intestine. The gastric glands also contain enteroendocrine cells, which secrete various hormones, including gastrin which stimulates digestion.
The gastric glands are made up of different types of cells, each with specific functions, such as mucus neck cells and enteroendocrine cells, providing a complex environment for the efficient breakdown of food.