Peptic cells secrete

Options

A. HCL
B. Gastrin
C. Cholecystokinin
D. Pepsinogen

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Identify the Cells**: Peptic cells, also known as gastric chief cells or zymogen cells, are located in the lining of the stomach.

2. **Function of Peptic Cells**: These cells are responsible for the secretion of digestive enzymes. Specifically, they secrete pepsinogen and chymosin.

3. **Understanding Pepsinogen**: Pepsinogen is an inactive precursor (zymogen) of the enzyme pepsin. It is important to note that pepsinogen itself does not have digestive activity until it is activated.

4. **Activation of Pepsinogen**: When pepsinogen comes into contact with hydrochloric acid (HCl), which is secreted by gastric parietal cells, it is converted into the active enzyme pepsin.

5. **Reviewing the Options**:
- HCl is secreted by parietal cells, not peptic cells.
- Gastrin is a hormone that stimulates gastric secretion but is not secreted by peptic cells.
- Cholecystokinin is secreted by the small intestine and is not related to peptic cells.
- Pepsinogen is indeed secreted by peptic cells.

6. **Conclusion**: The correct answer to the question "Peptic cells secrete" is pepsinogen.

**Final Answer**: Peptic cells secrete pepsinogen.

---