Which of the following gastric cells indirectly help in erythropoiesis ?

Options

A. Parietal cells
B. Goblet cells
C. Mucous cells
D. Chief cells

Answer

To solve the question "Which of the following gastric cells indirectly help in erythropoiesis?" we need to analyze the options provided and understand the role of each type of gastric cell in relation to erythropoiesis, which is the process of red blood cell formation.

### Step-by-step Solution:

1. **Understanding Erythropoiesis**:
- Erythropoiesis is the process of producing red blood cells (RBCs) in the body. This process requires certain nutrients, including iron.

2. **Identifying Gastric Cells**:
- The options given are:
- A. Parietal cells
- B. Goblet cells
- C. Mucus cells
- D. Chief cells

3. **Function of Gastric Cells**:
- **Parietal Cells**: These cells secrete hydrochloric acid (HCl) in the stomach. HCl plays a crucial role in converting dietary iron from its ferric (Fe³⁺) form to ferrous (Fe²⁺) form, which is more readily absorbed in the intestines.
- **Goblet Cells**: These cells secrete mucus and are primarily involved in protecting the intestinal lining; they do not play a role in erythropoiesis.
- **Mucus Cells**: Similar to goblet cells, these also secrete mucus and do not have a direct role in erythropoiesis.
- **Chief Cells**: These cells secrete pepsinogen, which is involved in protein digestion, but they do not influence iron absorption or erythropoiesis.

4. **Conclusion**:
- Since parietal cells are responsible for secreting HCl, which converts ferric iron to ferrous iron, thus facilitating its absorption and indirectly supporting erythropoiesis, the correct answer is:
- **Option A: Parietal cells**.

### Final Answer:
**The gastric cells that indirectly help in erythropoiesis are the Parietal cells (Option A).**