NMAT Biology Practice Test

The stomach has several types of cells that contribute to its function, and mucin neck cells play a crucial role in protecting the stomach lining. These cells secrete mucin, a glycoprotein component of mucus, which coats the stomach lining and serves multiple purposes.

One of the primary functions of mucin is to provide a protective barrier against the corrosive effects of gastric acid and digestive enzymes. This barrier is vital because the stomach produces hydrochloric acid, which is necessary for digestion but can damage the stomach's epithelial cells if not appropriately buffered. The mucin forms a thick, viscous layer that not only protects but also lubricates, helping to prevent injury and irritation to the stomach wall from both acidity and mechanical abrasion caused by ingested food.

In contrast, parietal cells are responsible for producing hydrochloric acid and intrinsic factor, chief cells secrete pepsinogen (the precursor to the digestive enzyme pepsin), and the term "gastric cells" is more general and refers to the overall gastric epithelium and its various secretory functions. Therefore, it’s the mucin neck cells that are specifically tasked with the secretion of mucin to safeguard the stomach's epithelial lining from the harsh environment created by gastric