Chief cell

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. Usually when the term "chief cell" or "zymogenic 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.