Which cells in the stomach secrete pepsinogen?

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Pepsinogen is the inactive precursor of the enzyme pepsin, and it is produced by the chief cells of the stomach’s gastric glands. These cells release pepsinogen into the stomach lumen, where it is activated to pepsin by the acidic environment created by nearby parietal cells. Pepsin then begins protein digestion in the stomach. The other cell types have different roles: G cells secrete a hormone (gastrin) that stimulates acid production, parietal cells produce hydrochloric acid and intrinsic factor, and mucous cells secrete protective mucus.