Chief cells

Looks like

Microscopic cells at the base of the stomach glands, full of enzyme granules.

What it does

Release pepsinogen, which acid turns into pepsin to start digesting protein.

Keeping it well

Nothing to do for them directly; they are lost in long-standing atrophic gastritis along with the rest of the gland.

Related conditions

• Acid reflux (GERD)
• Barrett's oesophagus
• Crohn's disease
• Eating disorders
• Food poisoning
• Functional dyspepsia (indigestion)
• Gastritis
• Gastroenteritis
• Gastrointestinal bleeding
• Gastroparesis
• Hyperemesis gravidarum
• Motion sickness
• Peptic ulcer disease
• Stomach cancer