Which cells in the stomach are responsible for hydrochloric acid secretion?

The secretion of hydrochloric acid in the stomach is primarily the function of parietal cells. These specialized cells, located in the gastric glands of the stomach lining, contain numerous mitochondria and are rich in microvilli to facilitate the secretion process. Parietal cells produce hydrochloric acid (HCl) by combining hydrogen ions and chloride ions within their cytoplasm, which are then transported into the stomach lumen where they play a crucial role in creating the acidic environment necessary for digestion and the activation of digestive enzymes.

In addition to aiding digestion, the acidic environment also helps to kill pathogens and provides a favorable environment for the enzyme pepsin, which is produced by chief cells and active in protein digestion. However, it is the parietal cells that are directly responsible for the production and secretion of HCl.