Gastrointestinal physiology: practice question

A Physiology question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Physiology · Gastrointestinal physiology

Sample item

Which gastric cell type secretes hydrochloric acid?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

A. Parietal cell

Parietal cells secrete hydrochloric acid and intrinsic factor in the stomach; acid supports protein digestion and microbial defense, while intrinsic factor is required for later vitamin B12 absorption.

Option by option

  • A. Parietal cell (correct)

    Correct: parietal cells produce gastric acid and intrinsic factor.

  • B. Chief cell

    Chief cells secrete pepsinogen.

  • C. Goblet cell

    Goblet cells secrete mucus in many epithelia.

  • D. Enterocyte

    Enterocytes are absorptive intestinal epithelial cells.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

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Questions about this Physiology question

What is the answer to this Physiology question?

The best answer is A, Parietal cell. Parietal cells secrete hydrochloric acid and intrinsic factor in the stomach; acid supports protein digestion and microbial defense, while intrinsic factor is required for later vitamin B12 absorption.

Why is "Chief cell" not the answer?

Chief cells secrete pepsinogen.

Why is "Goblet cell" not the answer?

Goblet cells secrete mucus in many epithelia.

Why is "Enterocyte" not the answer?

Enterocytes are absorptive intestinal epithelial cells.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Gastrointestinal physiology in Physiology. The correct option holds because: Correct: parietal cells produce gastric acid and intrinsic factor.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Gastrointestinal physiology?

For each system, sketch the key graph (pressure–volume loop, oxygen dissociation curve, nephron handling) and explain it aloud. Then use the flashcards and the other Physiology questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.