Which type of cells in the gastric mucosa produce pepsinogen?

The correct choice reflects the role of chief cells in the gastric mucosa, which are responsible for producing pepsinogen. Pepsinogen is an inactive precursor to pepsin, a digestive enzyme that breaks down proteins in the acidic environment of the stomach. The secretion of pepsinogen by chief cells allows for the enzymatic conversion to pepsin when it comes into contact with gastric acid produced by parietal cells.

Chief cells are located primarily in the fundus and body of the stomach and are crucial for the digestive process. Understanding the function of chief cells and their role in gastrin secretion is key in gastrointestinal physiology and digestive biochemistry.

In contrast, parietal cells produce gastric acid (hydrochloric acid) and intrinsic factor, which are essential for digestion and vitamin B12 absorption, but do not produce pepsinogen. Endocrine cells in the gastric mucosa release various hormones that regulate digestive processes, but they do not secrete digestive enzymes. Mucous cells, meanwhile, produce mucus which protects the gastric mucosa from the erosive effects of the acidic gastric contents, but they also do not produce pepsinogen. Understanding these roles emphasizes the specialization of different cell types in the gastric