Pepsinogen is secreted by

Options

A. Chief cell
B. Oxyntic cell
C. Mast cell
D. Parietal cell

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding the Types of Gastric Cells**: In the stomach, there are three main types of gastric cells: Chief cells, Parietal cells, and Mucosa (Goblet) cells.

2. **Identifying the Function of Each Cell Type**:
- **Chief Cells**: These cells are responsible for secreting digestive enzymes.
- **Parietal Cells**: These cells secrete hydrochloric acid (HCl), which helps in digestion and creates an acidic environment in the stomach.
- **Mucosa (Goblet) Cells**: These cells secrete mucus, which protects the stomach lining from the acidic environment.

3. **Focusing on Pepsinogen**: Pepsinogen is an inactive enzyme that is converted into pepsin when it comes into contact with the acidic environment created by HCl.

4. **Identifying the Cell Type that Secretes Pepsinogen**: Among the gastric cells, it is the Chief cells that secrete Pepsinogen.

5. **Conclusion**: Therefore, the answer to the question "Pepsinogen is secreted by" is Chief cells.

**Final Answer**: Pepsinogen is secreted by Chief cells.

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