Chief cells

Chief cells are specialized epithelial cells located in the gastric glands of the stomach. Positioned primarily in the fundus and body regions, they play a vital role in digestion. Their hallmark function is the secretion of pepsinogen, an inactive precursor that converts into the enzyme pepsin when exposed to stomach acid. Pepsin breaks down dietary proteins into smaller peptides, kickstarting the process of protein digestion. In addition to pepsinogen, chief cells also secrete gastric lipase, which aids in the breakdown of dietary fats. Together, these secretions make chief cells crucial for the chemical digestion of food before it enters the small intestine. Disruption of chief cell function can impair protein and fat digestion, and long-term damage to gastric glands (Ex, chronic gastritis) can reduce their numbers. In gastric biology, they’re recognized as key contributors to the stomach’s digestive power.