What is the Difference Between Peptic and Oxyntic Cells?

Peptic and oxyntic cells are two types of cells found in the gastric glands that play crucial roles in the digestion process. The main differences between these cells are their functions and the substances they secrete:

• Peptic Cells: These are also known as chief cells or zymogenic cells. They are located in the basal regions of the gastric glands and secrete pepsinogen and gastric lipases. Pepsinogen is the inactive precursor of pepsin, an enzyme that breaks down proteins, while gastric lipases contribute to the digestion of fats.
• Oxyntic Cells: Also known as parietal cells, these cells are found in the gastric glands' side walls and are the most numerous in the stomach. They secrete hydrochloric acid, which is the main component of gastric acid, and intrinsic factor. Hydrochloric acid helps break down food, while intrinsic factor is necessary for the absorption of vitamin B12.

Both peptic and oxyntic cells work together in the digestion process. Hydrochloric acid produced by oxyntic cells is needed to convert pepsinogen into active pepsin. These cells are epithelial cells and are important structural components of the digestion process.

Comparative Table: Peptic vs Oxyntic Cells

Here is a table comparing the differences between peptic and oxyntic cells:

Both peptic and oxyntic cells are gastric gland cells that work together in the stomach. Peptic cells produce pepsinogen, which is converted into active pepsin by HCl released from oxyntic cells. HCl is also necessary for creating the acidic environment in the stomach, which kills bacteria and helps denature proteins for enzymatic digestion.