Chief Cells

Definition

Chief cells, also known as principal cells, are the predominant cell type found in the gastric glands of the stomach. These cells are responsible for secreting hydrochloric acid (HCl) and pepsinogen, which are essential components of the stomach's digestive juices.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Chief cells are the primary producers of hydrochloric acid (HCl) and pepsinogen in the stomach, which are essential for the digestion of food.
2. The secretion of HCl by chief cells creates the acidic environment in the stomach, which helps activate pepsinogen into the active digestive enzyme pepsin.
3. Chief cells are stimulated to secrete HCl and pepsinogen in response to various signals, such as the presence of food in the stomach, the hormone gastrin, and the neurotransmitter acetylcholine.
4. Impaired function or reduced number of chief cells can lead to decreased acid and enzyme production, which can result in conditions like atrophic gastritis or pernicious anemia.
5. Chief cells are found in the gastric glands, which are tubular structures located in the lining of the stomach, and they work in coordination with other cell types, such as parietal cells, to maintain the proper digestive environment.

Review Questions

• Describe the primary functions of chief cells in the stomach.
  • The primary functions of chief cells in the stomach are to secrete hydrochloric acid (HCl) and the enzyme precursor pepsinogen. HCl creates the acidic environment necessary for the activation of pepsinogen into the active digestive enzyme pepsin, which helps break down proteins in the stomach. Chief cells are stimulated to secrete these important components of gastric juice in response to various signals, such as the presence of food, the hormone gastrin, and the neurotransmitter acetylcholine.
• Explain the relationship between chief cells and parietal cells in the stomach and how they work together to facilitate digestion.
  • Chief cells and parietal cells work in coordination within the gastric glands of the stomach to maintain the proper digestive environment. Parietal cells secrete hydrochloric acid (HCl), which creates the acidic pH necessary for the activation of pepsinogen into the active enzyme pepsin. Chief cells then secrete pepsinogen, which is converted to pepsin in the acidic environment created by the parietal cells. This synergistic relationship between the two cell types ensures the proper production and activation of the key components of gastric juice, allowing for efficient protein digestion in the stomach.
• Discuss the potential consequences of impaired chief cell function or reduced chief cell numbers in the stomach.
  • Impaired function or a reduced number of chief cells in the stomach can lead to decreased acid and enzyme production, which can result in various digestive disorders. Without the proper secretion of HCl by chief cells, the stomach's acidic environment may not be maintained, leading to conditions like atrophic gastritis. Additionally, reduced pepsinogen secretion by chief cells can result in decreased pepsin production and impaired protein digestion, potentially contributing to malnutrition or pernicious anemia. The proper functioning of chief cells is crucial for maintaining the stomach's digestive capabilities and overall gastrointestinal health.

Related terms

Parietal Cells: Parietal cells are specialized cells in the stomach that secrete hydrochloric acid (HCl), which creates the acidic environment necessary for digestion.

Pepsinogen: Pepsinogen is an inactive precursor of the digestive enzyme pepsin, which is secreted by chief cells and helps break down proteins in the stomach.

Gastric Glands: Gastric glands are the tubular structures found in the lining of the stomach that contain various cell types, including chief cells and parietal cells, which secrete the components of gastric juice.