PARIETAL CELLS and CHIEF CELLS in a GASTRIC GLAND of the STOMACH 250X - Foto stock

PARIETAL CELLS and CHIEF CELLS in a GASTRIC GLAND of the STOMACH, 250X. This image is from the deeper portion of the stomach Mucosa showing a Gastric Gland that contains two major types of cells--Parietal Cells and Chief Cells. The PARIETAL CELLS are the plump cells that have a reddish (eosinophilic) cytoplasm. Parietal Cells secrete HYDROCHLORIC ACID(HCl) that gives the gastric juice a much lower (acidic) pH. Parietal Cells also secrete Intrinsic Factor that is necessary for Vitamin B12 absorption. The Chief Cells are bluish (basophilic) in appearance and these cells secrete digestive enzymes (e.g. pepsinogen that is converted to the enzyme Pepsin). This image is from the fundic portion of the stomach.