Oxyntic cells secrete :

Options

A. HCl
B. NaOH
C. Pepsin
D. Trypsin

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Identify Oxyntic Cells**: Oxyntic cells, also known as parietal cells, are located in the gastric glands of the stomach lining.

2. **Function of Oxyntic Cells**: These cells are primarily responsible for the secretion of hydrochloric acid (HCl) and intrinsic factor.

3. **Understanding Hydrochloric Acid (HCl)**: HCl plays several crucial roles in digestion:
- It creates an acidic environment in the stomach, which is necessary for the activation of digestive enzymes.
- It helps in the conversion of pepsinogen (inactive form) into pepsin (active form), which is essential for protein digestion.
- HCl also aids in killing harmful bacteria present in food, thus providing a protective function.

4. **Eliminate Incorrect Options**:
- **B. NOH**: This is not a substance secreted by oxyntic cells or any other cells in the stomach.
- **C. Pepsin**: Pepsin is not secreted directly; it is produced from the inactive form pepsinogen, which is secreted by chief cells.
- **D. Trypsin**: Trypsin is produced in the pancreas from trypsinogen and is not secreted by oxyntic cells.

5. **Conclusion**: Based on the information gathered, the correct answer to the question "Oxyntic cells secrete:" is **HCl**.

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