Chief cells

Chief cells, also known as zymogenic cells or peptic cells, are cells in the stomach that secrete pepsinogen, a precursor to the digestive enzyme pepsin. They are located in the lower part of the gastric glands, known as the base or fundic region.

Function

Chief cells are responsible for the production and secretion of pepsinogen, which is activated to pepsin by the acidic environment of the stomach. Pepsin is a crucial enzyme in the process of digestion, as it breaks down proteins into smaller peptides.

Structure

Chief cells are typically polygonal or pyramidal in shape, with the nucleus located near the base of the cell. The cytoplasm is basophilic due to the presence of rough endoplasmic reticulum, which is involved in protein synthesis.

Clinical significance

Abnormalities in chief cells can lead to various medical conditions. For example, the development of gastric adenocarcinoma, a type of stomach cancer, can be associated with the transformation of chief cells. In addition, hyperplasia of chief cells can result in the formation of gastric polyps, which are benign growths in the stomach lining.

See also

• Gastric glands
• Parietal cells
• G cells