Gastric gland

Gastric fluid, also known as gastric juice, is a digestive fluid, formed in the stomach. It is composed of hydrochloric acid (HCl), potassium chloride (KCl) and sodium chloride (NaCl). The acid plays a key role in digestion of proteins, by activating digestive enzymes, and making ingested proteins unravel so that digestive enzymes can break down the long chains of amino acids.

Composition

Gastric fluid is composed of several elements, each playing a crucial role in the process of digestion.

• Hydrochloric acid: This is a strong acid secreted by the parietal cells, and it lowers your stomach's pH to around 2. Hydrochloric acid helps to digest food chemically and protects the body by killing bacteria present in our food.
• Potassium chloride and sodium chloride: These are used to create a conducive environment for the effective operation of digestive enzymes.
• Digestive enzymes: These include pepsin, a protein-digesting enzyme, and gastric lipase, an enzyme that digests fats.

Function

The main function of gastric fluid is to activate digestive enzymes that break down proteins, to act as a barrier to pathogens and to facilitate the absorption of various substances.

• Digestion: Gastric fluid contains several enzymes, including pepsin, that break down proteins into smaller, more easily absorbed substances. Without gastric fluid, the body would have difficulty digesting and absorbing proteins.
• Barrier to pathogens: The highly acidic environment in the stomach helps to kill many pathogens that are ingested with food.
• Absorption: Gastric fluid helps to facilitate the absorption of various substances, including certain medications and nutrients.

Clinical significance

Abnormalities in the production or functioning of gastric fluid can lead to several health problems.

• Gastritis: This is inflammation of the stomach lining, often caused by a bacterial infection. It can lead to an increase in the production of gastric fluid, which can cause a burning sensation in the stomach.
• Peptic ulcer: This is a sore on the lining of the stomach, small intestine, or esophagus. It can be caused by an increase in the production of gastric fluid.
• Zollinger-Ellison syndrome: This is a rare disorder, where increased levels of the hormone gastrin cause an increase in gastric fluid production. This can lead to the formation of peptic ulcers.