Which type of stomach cells is responsible for releasing hydrochloric acid (HCl)?

• A. Chief cells
• B. Mucous cells
• C. Parietal cells
• D. G cells

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the function of hydrochloric acid (HCl) in the stomach. HCl is crucial for digestion as it helps break down food, activates pepsinogen into pepsin, and provides an acidic environment to kill pathogens.
2. Step 2: Review the types of stomach cells and their functions: Chief cells secrete pepsinogen, mucous cells produce mucus to protect the stomach lining, G cells secrete gastrin (a hormone that stimulates HCl production), and parietal cells are responsible for secreting hydrochloric acid (HCl).
3. Step 3: Focus on parietal cells. These cells are located in the gastric glands of the stomach lining and contain proton pumps that actively transport hydrogen ions (H⁺) into the stomach lumen, combining with chloride ions (Cl⁻) to form HCl.
4. Step 4: Understand the regulation of parietal cells. Gastrin (from G cells), histamine, and acetylcholine stimulate parietal cells to release HCl, while somatostatin inhibits their activity.
5. Step 5: Confirm the correct answer based on the function of parietal cells. Parietal cells are the stomach cells responsible for releasing hydrochloric acid (HCl).