🔬 Biology · Digestion and Absorption · NEET

In the stomach, pepsin acts optimally in a highly acidic environment maintained mainly by secretions from:

Answer: Parietal cells, which secrete hydrochloric acid.

A Mucous neck cells, which secrete pepsinogen
B Parietal cells, which secrete hydrochloric acid
C Goblet cells, which secrete bicarbonate
D Chief cells, which secrete only mucus

Correct answer: B. Parietal cells, which secrete hydrochloric acid

Explanation: Parietal cells of the gastric glands secrete hydrochloric acid, creating the highly acidic environment in which pepsin can act effectively on proteins.

Labeled diagram of the human digestive system showing mouth, esophagus, stomach, liver, pancreas, small intestine, and large intestine

The human digestive system. Image: LadyofHats (Mariana Ruiz), Public Domain, via Wikimedia Commons.

Concept context

The digestive tract, digestive enzymes, hormonal control of digestion, and liver function. High NEET weightage.

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In the stomach, pepsin acts optimally in a highly acidic environment maintained mainly by secretions from:

Concept context

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