Which cells in the stomach produce acidic mucus that protects the stomach lining?

Which cells in the stomach produce acidic mucus that protects the stomach lining?

• A. Mucus neck cells
• B. Chief cells
• C. Parietal cells
• D. G cells

Answer: (A)

The protective mucus lining of the stomach is produced by mucus-secreting cells in the gastric mucosa, especially the mucus neck cells. They release mucus rich in bicarbonate, which forms a gel-like barrier at the epithelial surface and helps neutralize the surrounding acid, shielding the stomach lining from injury by hydrochloric acid and digestive enzymes. Other cells have different roles: parietal cells secrete HCl and intrinsic factor, chief cells secrete pepsinogen, and G cells release gastrin to stimulate acid production. So the mucus neck cells are the ones specifically responsible for the protective, bicarbonate-rich mucus.

The protective mucus lining of the stomach is produced by mucus-secreting cells in the gastric mucosa, especially the mucus neck cells. They release mucus rich in bicarbonate, which forms a gel-like barrier at the epithelial surface and helps neutralize the surrounding acid, shielding the stomach lining from injury by hydrochloric acid and digestive enzymes. Other cells have different roles: parietal cells secrete HCl and intrinsic factor, chief cells secrete pepsinogen, and G cells release gastrin to stimulate acid production. So the mucus neck cells are the ones specifically responsible for the protective, bicarbonate-rich mucus.