Gastric juice

Gastric juice is a digestive juice produced by the glands of the stomach lining. It is a colorless transparent liquid with a sour taste.

The cells of the stomach glands are divided into main, parietal and accessory; Each group of cells produces certain components of the juice:

1. The main cells produce enzymes that break down nutrients: pepsin, which breaks down proteins; lipase, which breaks down fats; and others.

2. Parietal cells produce hydrochloric acid, which creates an acidic environment in the stomach cavity. The concentration of hydrochloric acid in human gastric juice is 0.4-0.5%. It plays an important role in digestion: it softens food, activates enzymes, kills microorganisms, stimulates the production of pancreatic enzymes and the formation of digestive hormones.

3. Accessory cells secrete mucus, which gives gastric juice viscosity. Mucus neutralizes hydrochloric acid, reducing acidity, protects the gastric mucosa and is involved in the digestion of food.

In addition to enzymes, mucus and hydrochloric acid, gastric juice contains a number of other organic and inorganic substances, as well as Castle factor, which ensures the absorption of vitamin B12.

The digestive ability of gastric juice depends on the phase of secretion and the area of ​​the stomach. Secretion does not occur constantly, but is stimulated by food intake. In diseases of the digestive system, the amount and composition of gastric juice may change.

Analysis of gastric juice is an important diagnostic method. It allows you to assess the condition of the stomach and other organs. Gastric juice is also used as a medicine for certain stomach diseases.

Gastric juice (succus gastricus) is a mixture of enzymes that is secreted from the stomach during digestion. It plays an important role in the breakdown of food and its further digestion.

The main function of gastric juice is to digest proteins and carbohydrates. Gastric juice contains several enzymes that help break down proteins and carbohydrates. One of the most important enzymes is pepsin, which breaks down complex proteins in the stomach into simpler compounds - amino acids and disaccharides. Another enzyme is amylase, which does the same for carbohydrates.

Gastric juice also contains hydrochloric acid and mucus, which protect the gastric mucosa from damage and aggression from gastric contents. Mucus produces a protective layer on the walls of the stomach, protecting them from aggressive gastric juices. When food enters the stomach, the mucus dissolves, forming a cloudy solution that coats the food. Then, under the influence of salts, stomach acid and digestive enzymes hydrolyze and break down the food, thereby preparing it for transport to the intestines. After digestion is complete, fluid, consisting of food in the form of small molecules and gastric secretions, enters the intestine through the lower esophageal sphincter and continues the process of breakdown and absorption of nutrients.