Which of the following cell types produces hydrochloric acid in the stomach?

Hydrochloric acid in the stomach is produced by parietal cells. These specialized cells are located in the gastric glands of the stomach lining and play a crucial role in the digestive process. The secretion of hydrochloric acid is essential for creating an acidic environment in the stomach, which aids in the digestion of food, activates pepsinogen to pepsin (an important digestive enzyme), and helps kill harmful bacteria that may enter with food.

Parietal cells accomplish this through the secretion of hydrogen ions (H+) combined with chloride ions (Cl-) to form hydrochloric acid (HCl). This process is stimulated by various factors, including the presence of food, the hormone gastrin, and the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. Without the function of parietal cells and their production of hydrochloric acid, effective digestion and protection against pathogens would be significantly diminished. This central role underscores why parietal cells are identified as the specific cell type responsible for hydrochloric acid production in the stomach.