Which cells of the gastric glands of the stomach secrete Castle's intrinsic factor , essential for the absorption of vit . `B_(12)` ?

Options

A. Chief cell
B. Parietal cell
C. Oxyntic cell
D. Both (B) and (C)

Answer

To solve the question regarding which cells of the gastric glands secrete Castle's intrinsic factor, essential for the absorption of vitamin B12, we can follow these steps:

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Identify the Function of Gastric Gland Cells**:
- The gastric glands in the stomach contain several types of cells, each with specific functions. Understanding these functions is crucial to answering the question.

2. **Evaluate the Options**:
- The question provides several options, including:
- A) Chief cells
- B) Parietal cells
- C) Oxyntic cells
- D) Both B and C

3. **Analyze Each Cell Type**:
- **Chief Cells**: These cells primarily secrete pepsinogen, an inactive precursor of the enzyme pepsin, which is involved in protein digestion. They do not secrete intrinsic factor.
- **Parietal Cells**: These cells are responsible for the secretion of hydrochloric acid (HCl) and intrinsic factor. The intrinsic factor is crucial for the absorption of vitamin B12 in the intestine.
- **Oxyntic Cells**: This is another name for parietal cells. Therefore, they also secrete intrinsic factor.

4. **Determine the Correct Answer**:
- Since both parietal cells and oxyntic cells secrete intrinsic factor, the correct answer is option D) Both B and C.

### Final Answer:
The cells of the gastric glands that secrete Castle's intrinsic factor, essential for the absorption of vitamin B12, are the **Parietal cells (B)** and **Oxyntic cells (C)**. Therefore, the correct answer is **option D: Both B and C**.

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