Parietal cell

A stomach epithelial cell that secretes hydrochloric acid and intrinsic factor. Its acid supports digestion and defense, while intrinsic factor enables vitamin B12 absorption.

Hydrochloric acid: A strong acid composed of hydrogen chloride dissolved in water. Parietal cells secrete it into the stomach lumen to create an acidic environment.
Gastric gland: A tubular gland in the stomach lining that contains specialized secretory cells. Parietal cells are concentrated in the glands of the stomach body and fundus.
Pernicious anemia: A vitamin B12 deficiency disorder caused by impaired absorption, commonly from autoimmune loss of intrinsic factor. Destruction of parietal cells can remove the intrinsic factor needed to absorb vitamin B12.
G cell: An endocrine cell, especially in the stomach antrum, that secretes gastrin. G cells signal acid secretion rather than directly releasing acid or intrinsic factor.
H+/K+ ATPase: A membrane enzyme that exchanges cellular hydrogen ions for extracellular potassium using ATP. This proton pump drives gastric acid secretion across the parietal cell's apical membrane.
Gastric mucosa: The innermost lining of the stomach, containing surface epithelium and gastric glands. Parietal cells are epithelial constituents of this secretory lining.
Autoimmune gastritis: Chronic stomach inflammation caused by immune attack on gastric cells, especially parietal cells. It can reduce acid and intrinsic-factor production as parietal cells are lost.
D cell: An endocrine cell in the stomach and intestine that secretes somatostatin. D cells inhibit gastric secretion, opposing parietal-cell stimulation.
Intrinsic factor: A glycoprotein required for vitamin B12 absorption in the terminal ileum. Parietal cells release it alongside acid, enabling dietary vitamin B12 uptake.
Chief cell: A gastric gland cell that secretes pepsinogen and gastric lipase. Chief cells share gastric glands with parietal cells but release digestive enzymes rather than acid.

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