Gastric chief cell

Cell type in the stomach

Gastric chief cell

Cell information
System	Digestive system
Function	Secretion of pepsinogen, gastric lipase, and chymosin
Location	Stomach
Origin
Precursor
Gives rise to

The gastric chief cell, also known as a peptic cell or zymogenic cell, is a type of cell found in the stomach. These cells are primarily responsible for the secretion of pepsinogen, gastric lipase, and chymosin (rennin).

Location

Gastric chief cells are located in the gastric glands found in the lining of the stomach. They are predominantly found in the deeper regions of the gastric pits.

Function

The primary function of gastric chief cells is the secretion of digestive enzymes. These include:

• Pepsinogen: An inactive precursor of pepsin, which is activated by the acidic environment of the stomach to break down proteins into peptides.
• Gastric lipase: An enzyme that aids in the digestion of lipids (fats).
• Chymosin: An enzyme that coagulates milk, which is particularly important in the digestion of milk in infants.

Regulation

The secretion of pepsinogen by gastric chief cells is regulated by several factors:

• Acetylcholine: Released from the vagus nerve during the cephalic phase of digestion.
• Gastrin: A hormone produced by G cells in the stomach lining.
• Secretin: A hormone that stimulates the secretion of pepsinogen.

Histology

Under the microscope, gastric chief cells can be identified by their basophilic cytoplasm due to the high content of rough endoplasmic reticulum necessary for the synthesis of digestive enzymes. They are typically found adjacent to parietal cells, which secrete hydrochloric acid.

Clinical significance

Dysfunction or damage to gastric chief cells can lead to impaired digestion and various gastrointestinal disorders. For example, a deficiency in pepsinogen secretion can result in protein malabsorption.

See also

• Parietal cell
• G cell
• Enteroendocrine cell
• Digestive system
• Stomach