The type of cells present in the gastric glands which secretes intrinsic factor?

Options

A. Peptic cells
B. Chief cells
C. Parietal cells
D. Both (1) & (2)

Answer

To answer the question about the type of cells present in the gastric glands that secrete intrinsic factor, we can follow these steps:

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understand the Structure of Gastric Glands**: Gastric glands are located in the lining of the stomach and are responsible for secreting various substances that aid in digestion.

2. **Identify the Functions of Gastric Gland Cells**: There are different types of cells in the gastric glands, each with specific functions:
- **Peptic Cells (Chief Cells)**: These cells secrete pepsinogen, which is an inactive enzyme that gets converted to pepsin in the acidic environment of the stomach. Pepsin is crucial for protein digestion.
- **Parietal Cells**: These cells secrete hydrochloric acid (HCl) and intrinsic factor.

3. **Define Intrinsic Factor**: Intrinsic factor is a glycoprotein essential for the absorption of vitamin B12 in the intestine. It is crucial for preventing certain types of anemia.

4. **Identify the Cells that Secrete Intrinsic Factor**: Among the cells in the gastric glands, it is the **parietal cells** that secrete intrinsic factor. They are also known as oxyntic cells.

5. **Conclusion**: Therefore, the correct answer to the question is that the cells present in the gastric glands which secrete intrinsic factor are the **parietal cells**.

### Final Answer:
The type of cells present in the gastric glands which secretes intrinsic factor is **parietal cells**.

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