Advanced Dental Admission Test (ADAT)

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Prepare for the Advanced Dental Admission Test. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions, with hints and explanations provided for each question. Strengthen your readiness for success!

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What do parietal cells in the stomach secrete that is essential for B12 absorption?

Pepsinogen
Intrinsic factor
Gastrin
Secretin

The correct answer is: Intrinsic factor

Parietal cells in the stomach secrete intrinsic factor, which plays a crucial role in the absorption of vitamin B12. Vitamin B12 is an essential nutrient that is necessary for the production of red blood cells and the maintenance of a healthy nervous system. Intrinsic factor binds to vitamin B12 in the stomach, creating a complex that is resistant to digestion. This complex is essential for the absorption of B12 in the ileum, the final section of the small intestine. Without intrinsic factor, vitamin B12 cannot be effectively absorbed, leading to potential deficiencies and related health issues. While pepsinogen is secreted by gastric chief cells and is involved in protein digestion, it does not have a direct role in B12 absorption. Gastrin, a hormone that stimulates acid secretion and gastric motility, and secretin, which regulates water homeostasis and influences pancreatic enzyme secretion, are also not directly involved in the absorption of vitamin B12. Thus, intrinsic factor is the critical component secreted by parietal cells necessary for the proper absorption of this vital vitamin.