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The type of cell responsible for producing gastric acid in the stomach is parietal cells. These specialized epithelial cells are located in the gastric glands lining the stomach. They secrete hydrochloric acid (HCl), which plays a crucial role in digestion by creating an acidic environment that facilitates the breakdown of food and activates digestive enzymes. Additionally, the acidic environment helps in killing pathogens that may enter with food.

In contrast, chief cells are primarily responsible for secreting pepsinogen, an inactive precursor to the enzyme pepsin, which is involved in protein digestion when activated in the acidic environment created by parietal cells. G cells, on the other hand, are involved in hormone secretion; they produce gastrin, which stimulates parietal cells to secrete more gastric acid. I cells are found in the intestinal mucosa and primarily secrete cholecystokinin, a hormone that stimulates digestion and satiety. Thus, the specific role of parietal cells in gastric acid production highlights their importance in the digestive process.