Question

Chief cells _________.

1) produce gastrin
2) produce mucin
3) produce HCI
4) produce pepsinogen

Answer 1

Chief cells in the gastric glands are responsible for the secretion of pepsinogen, which is converted into the active enzyme pepsin by HCl produced by parietal cells.

The correct option is 4.

Step-by-step explanation:

The chief cells, located in the basal regions of the gastric glands, are responsible for secreting pepsinogen, the inactive proenzyme form of pepsin. When pepsinogen comes into contact with hydrochloric acid (HCl), which is secreted by parietal cells, it is converted into the active enzyme pepsin.

Pepsin is crucial for protein digestion within the stomach. It is important to note that it's the parietal cells that produce HCl, not the chief cells. Gastrin, another important component in the gastric system, is produced by the enteroendocrine cells in the pyloric antrum, and not by the chief cells. Similarly, mucus is primarily produced by mucus cells, not chief cells.

The correct option is 4.