Final answer:
Parietal cells, or oxyntic cells, have two main functions in the stomach. They produce hydrochloric acid (HCl) to create an acidic environment for digestion and they produce intrinsic factor for the absorption of vitamin B12.
Step-by-step explanation:
Parietal cells, also known as oxyntic cells, are located in the middle region of the gastric glands in the stomach. These cells have two main functions. Parietal cells, or oxyntic cells, have two main functions in the stomach. They produce hydrochloric acid (HCl) to create an acidic environment for digestion and they produce intrinsic factor for the absorption of vitamin B12.
First, they produce hydrochloric acid (HCl), which creates a highly acidic environment in the stomach. The acidity helps activate the enzyme pepsin for protein digestion, kills bacteria, and denatures proteins for easier digestion. Second, parietal cells produce intrinsic factor, a glycoprotein necessary for the absorption of vitamin B12 in the small intestine.