Final answer:
The pH of gastric secretions in young children is highly acidic, typically ranging from 1 to 2 due to the presence of hydrochloric acid. This acidity aids in digestion and kills bacteria in the stomach. The body has mechanisms to minimize pH changes and maintain homeostasis.
Step-by-step explanation:
The pH of gastric secretions in young children is highly acidic, typically ranging from 1 to 2. The stomach contains gastric glands that secrete hydrochloric acid (HCl) with a pH of 1 to 2, which aids in the digestion of food and kills bacteria. This high acidity is necessary for proper digestion in the stomach, but it can be harmful if it enters the bloodstream.
For example, if 1 mL of stomach acid (approximated as 0.05 M HCl(aq)) were added to the bloodstream without any correcting mechanism, the pH of the blood would decrease from about 7.4 (a slightly alkaline pH) to about 4.9, which is not conducive to life. Fortunately, the body has mechanisms in place to minimize such dramatic changes in pH and maintain homeostasis.