Chief cell
Chief cell
Chief cells, also known as Zymogenic cells or Parietal cells, are cells in the stomach that release pepsinogen and chymosin. These cells are located in the gastric glands found in the lining of the stomach.
Pronunciation
Chief cell: /ˈtʃiːf sɛl/
Etymology
The term "chief cell" is derived from the Latin word "chief", meaning "head" or "principal", and the Latin word "cella", meaning "small room". This is because these cells are the principal cells in the gastric glands.
Function
Chief cells are responsible for secreting pepsinogen, the inactive form of the enzyme pepsin. Pepsinogen is activated into pepsin in the presence of stomach acid, which is produced by the parietal cells. Pepsin then aids in the digestion of proteins in the stomach.
Chief cells also secrete chymosin, an enzyme that coagulates milk proteins, aiding in the digestion of dairy products.
Related Terms
- Parietal cells: These cells are found in the gastric glands along with chief cells. They produce and secrete hydrochloric acid, which is necessary for the activation of pepsinogen into pepsin.
- Pepsin: An enzyme that breaks down proteins into smaller peptides. It is produced in the stomach by the chief cells.
- Pepsinogen: The inactive form of pepsin, secreted by the chief cells.
- Chymosin: An enzyme that coagulates milk proteins, also secreted by the chief cells.
- Gastric glands: The glands in the stomach lining where chief cells are located.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Chief cell
- Wikipedia's article - Chief cell
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