GASTRIC CHIEF CELLS Meaning and
Definition
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Gastric chief cells are specialized cells found in the lining of the stomach that play a crucial role in the digestion and breakdown of food. These cells are responsible for producing and secreting an enzyme called pepsinogen.
Chief cells are located in the gastric glands, which are found in the gastric pits of the stomach lining. These glands also contain other types of cells, such as parietal cells that secrete hydrochloric acid. The combination of pepsinogen and hydrochloric acid is important for the activation of pepsin, an enzyme that breaks down proteins.
When food enters the stomach, gastric chief cells are stimulated to release pepsinogen into the stomach lumen. Pepsinogen is an inactive form of pepsin and needs to be converted into its active form to function as an enzyme. The acidic environment created by hydrochloric acid secreted by parietal cells helps in the conversion of pepsinogen to pepsin. Once activated, pepsin can start breaking down proteins into smaller fragments called peptides.
Overall, gastric chief cells are fundamental for the digestion process, as they secrete pepsinogen, the precursor to the enzyme pepsin. This enzyme plays a pivotal role in the breakdown of proteins and the initiation of protein digestion within the stomach.
Common Misspellings for GASTRIC CHIEF CELLS
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- gasrric chief cells
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