Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) Practice Exam

Which of the following secretes hydrochloric acid?

1. Parietal cells

2. Salivary glands

3. Pancreas

4. Duodenum

The correct answer is: Parietal cells

The secretion of hydrochloric acid is primarily carried out by parietal cells, which are located in the gastric mucosa of the stomach. These cells play a crucial role in the digestive process by creating an acidic environment necessary for the activation of digestive enzymes and the breakdown of food. Hydrochloric acid also helps to kill harmful bacteria that may be ingested with food, contributing to the body's defense mechanisms. In contrast, salivary glands primarily secrete saliva, which contains enzymes for the initial digestion of carbohydrates but does not include hydrochloric acid. The pancreas has a different function, as it produces digestive enzymes and bicarbonate to regulate the pH of intestinal contents, while the duodenum, as part of the small intestine, is involved in the further digestion and absorption of nutrients but does not secrete hydrochloric acid itself.