Question

The primary function of mucus in the stomach is to neutralize stomach acid. activate pepsinogen to pepsin. protect the stomach cells from gastric juices (e.g., HCl). emulsify fats.

Answer 1

The primary function of mucus in the stomach is to protect the lining from the corrosive effects of gastric juice, particularly hydrochloric acid and pepsin. It acts as a protective barrier and neutralizes acidity, but does not play a role in enzyme activation or fat emulsification.

Step-by-step explanation:

The primary function of mucus in the stomach is to protect the stomach cells from gastric juices, such as hydrochloric acid (HCl). The stomach lining is exposed to the harsh, corrosive environment of gastric juice, which includes enzymes like pepsin that can digest protein. The mucosal barrier of the stomach, including its thick coating of bicarbonate-rich mucus, provides a physical barrier and neutralizes acid to prevent auto-digestion. It's important to note that while mucus does have a protective function, it does not activate pepsinogen to pepsin nor does it emulsify fats. Pepsinogen is activated by the acidity in the stomach, and emulsification of fats is primarily the job of bile in the small intestine.

Mucous neck cells in the gastric glands produce a different type of mucus, whose role isn’t fully understood. However, the mucus secreted by surface epithelium cells is crucial for forming the mucosal barrier that safeguards the lining. Additionally, tight junctions between epithelial cells prevent gastric juice from reaching underlying tissues, and stem cells regenerate the epithelium frequently, further ensuring the stomach's protection.

Answer 2

The primary function of mucus in the stomach is protect the stomach cells from gastric juices (e.g., HCl).

Step-by-step explanation:

The stomach is an important organ in the process of digestion, it performs a variety of functions that include the storage and exposure of food to the acid it secretes, in addition to providing a barrier that prevents the passage of microorganisms to the intestine. The gastric mucosa protects the stomach from digestion caused by acid gastric juices in which the superficial cells of the mucosa would produce a mucous layer, which would leave the stomach completely unprotected. The stomach creates gastric acids to break down food. These acids, also called gastric juices, are very strong acids found in the stomach. Its function is to promote the digestion of proteins that come from the products we eat. The components of gastric juices are produced by the gastric glands found in small cavities of the gastric mucosa. The gastric glands are elongated and consist of several types of cells: superficial cells, main cells and parietal cells. Superficial cells produce mucus that protects the stomach from attack by digestive acids and enzymes.