HCl is secreted by which of the following cells of the stomach.A. Chief cellsB. Parietal cell (Oxyntic cells)C. Peptic cellsD. Goblet cells

The correct answer is B) Parietal cells (Oxyntic cells).
Hydrochloric acid (HCl) is secreted by the parietal cells, also known as oxyntic cells, in the stomach lining. These cells are located primarily in the gastric glands of the stomach's mucosal layer. The secretion of HCl by parietal cells plays a crucial role in the digestive process by:
• Lowering the pH of the stomach, creating an acidic environment that helps in the breakdown of food.
• Activating pepsinogen into pepsin, an enzyme that aids in protein digestion.
• Killing harmful microorganisms that may be ingested with food.
Now, let's briefly look at the other options:
• A) Chief cells: Chief cells (also known as zymogenic cells) secrete pepsinogen, an inactive precursor of the enzyme pepsin. Pepsinogen is activated to pepsin in the acidic environment of the stomach, but these cells do not secrete HCl.
• C) Peptic cells: Peptic cells are another name for chief cells (the cells that secrete pepsinogen). As mentioned, they do not secrete HCl.
• D) Goblet cells: Goblet cells are found in the epithelial lining of the stomach (and intestines) and secrete mucus, which helps protect the stomach lining from the corrosive effects of HCl. These cells do not secrete HCl.
Thus, parietal cells (oxyntic cells) are responsible for the secretion of HCl in the stomach.