Overview
Chief cells are a type of cell found in the gastric gland of the stomach. They produce and secrete pepsin, an enzyme that is responsible for digesting proteins. Chief cells are important for the digestion of proteins, which are essential for growth and repair of the body's tissues, and for the absorption of other nutrients. They also help to maintain the acidic environment in the stomach, which is necessary to break down food. Chief cells also produce and secrete intrinsic factor, a substance required for the absorption of vitamin B12 in the small intestine. Consequently, chief cells play an essential role in many of the body's digestive and metabolic processes.
Research published in this journal
No peer-reviewed research on this exact topic has been published in International Journal of Human Anatomy yet. Browse the journal →