Gastric gland cells whose absence can lead to pernicious anaemia

Options

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

Answer

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Identify the Question**: The question asks about the gastric gland cells whose absence can lead to pernicious anemia.

2. **Understand Pernicious Anemia**: Pernicious anemia is a type of anemia that occurs due to the deficiency of vitamin B12. This vitamin is crucial for the production of red blood cells.

3. **Review the Options**: The options provided are:
- A) Chief cells
- B) Goblet cells
- C) Mucus cells
- D) Parietal cells

4. **Analyze Each Option**:
- **Chief Cells**: These cells secrete pepsinogen, which is an inactive enzyme that converts to pepsin in the stomach. They do not play a role in vitamin B12 absorption.
- **Goblet Cells**: These cells secrete mucus in the stomach but are not involved in vitamin B12 absorption.
- **Mucus Cells**: Similar to goblet cells, they also secrete mucus and do not affect vitamin B12 absorption.
- **Parietal Cells**: These cells secrete hydrochloric acid (HCl) and intrinsic factor. The intrinsic factor is essential for the absorption of vitamin B12 in the intestine.

5. **Connect the Dots**: The absence of parietal cells leads to a lack of intrinsic factor, which in turn causes a deficiency in vitamin B12. This deficiency is what leads to pernicious anemia.

6. **Conclusion**: Therefore, the correct answer is D) Parietal cells.