Which gastric pit cell primarily secretes gastrin?

The primary secretion of gastrin in the gastric pits is the responsibility of G cells. G cells are specialized endocrine cells located in the gastric mucosa, particularly in the pyloric antrum of the stomach. They play a crucial role in the digestive process by producing gastrin, a hormone that stimulates the secretion of gastric acid from parietal cells and promotes gastric motility.

Gastrin is released in response to various stimuli, including the presence of food in the stomach and stretch receptors being activated. This hormone functions to increase the acidity of the gastric juice, which aids in digestion and the breakdown of food.

Neck cells, parietal cells, and chief cells have distinct functions in the gastric environment. Neck cells primarily secrete mucous, parietal cells produce hydrochloric acid and intrinsic factor, while chief cells are responsible for secreting pepsinogen, an inactive precursor of the enzyme pepsin. However, none of these cell types are involved in the secretion of gastrin, which is exclusive to G cells. Hence, identifying G cells as the source of gastrin is essential in understanding gastric physiology and hormonal regulation in the digestive process.