ANATOMY

Detailed explanation-1: -Gastric juice is a unique combination of hydrochloric acid (HCl), lipase, and pepsin. Its main function is to inactivate swallowed microorganisms, thereby inhibiting infectious agents from reaching the intestine.

Detailed explanation-2: -The hydrochloric acid in the gastric juice breaks down the food and the digestive enzymes split up the proteins. The acidic gastric juice also kills bacteria. The mucus covers the stomach wall with a protective coating.

Detailed explanation-3: -Hydrochloric acid secretion by the gastric parietal cell is necessary for pepsinogen activation (pH<5) and for the reduction of bacterial colonization. The main stimulants of gastric acid secretion are histamine, gastrin, and acetylcholine.

Detailed explanation-4: -It is secreted by the oxyntic cells of the gastric gland in the stomach. Gastric juice contains mucous, hydrochloric acid and certain enzymes such as pepsin.

Detailed explanation-5: -Conditions in the stomach are extremely harsh due to the production of significant quantities of hydrochloric acid to aid the breakdown of food, along with other chemicals. The acidic conditions will usually kill any harmful bacteria accidentally entering via the food.