Final answer:
Severe vomiting can cause tearing of the stomach mucosa due to the intense muscular contractions that overpower the protective mechanisms of the stomach lining.
Step-by-step explanation:
Severe vomiting can tear the mucosa because the forceful expulsions produced by stomach muscles during emesis can cause physical damage. The stomach's mucosa is protected from its own acidic gastric juices by a thick coating of bicarbonate-rich mucus, tight junctions of epithelial cells, and rapid cell regeneration. However, during intense vomiting, this protective barrier can be compromised. The violent muscular contractions can cause tears in the mucosa, leading to irritation or even ulcers if the lining is excessively damaged and cannot repair quickly enough.