GASTRIC PARIETAL CELL FUNCTION: THE ROLE OF THE H+-K+ ATPASE PUMP

Parietal cells within the gastric mucosa play a crucial role in digestion by secreting hydrochloric acid (HCl). This potent acid environment/medium/solution is essential for protein hydrolysis, activating digestive enzymes, and destroying harmful bacteria ingested with food. The primary mechanism underlying HCl secretion involves the complex H+-K+