In general, a chief cell (or a "zymogenic cell") is a cell which releases a precursor enzyme. There are two types of chief cells which are most commonly referenced:

• A "gastric chief cell" or "peptic cell" is a cell in the stomach that releases pepsinogen and rennin. It works in conjunction with the Parietal cell which releases gastric acid, converting the pepsinogen into pepsin. Often when the term "chief cell" is used without qualification, this is the type meant.
• The parathyroid chief cell is the primary cell of the parathyroid gland. It produces and secretes PTH.

See also

• G cell
• Gastric acid
• Parietal cell
• Stomach

External links

• Illustration of Chief cells and Parietal cells
• Structure

Peptide hormone secreting cells