Final answer:
Gastrin is a hormone made in the stomach that stimulates the release of stomach acid. It has two important functions: stimulating the production of bicarbonate and pancreatic juice. Gastrin is released when proteins are present in the stomach during the gastric phase of digestion.
Step-by-step explanation:
Gastrin is a hormone that is made in the stomach by G cells. It acts on the stomach to stimulate the release of stomach acid, or hydrochloric acid (HCl), which helps in the digestion of proteins. Gastrin also has two important functions: it stimulates the production of bicarbonate and pancreatic juice.
Gastrin is released when proteins are present in the stomach. It is part of the gastric phase of digestion, which begins when food reaches the stomach.