What Are Normal PH Levels for the Human Stomach?
Quick Answer
Normal pH levels for the human stomach range between 1 and 5, according to About.com. These numbers indicate high acidity, which is because the stomach produces hydrochloric acid to help it digest food. The acid is needed because many enzymes, especially those that break down proteins, work best in an acidic environment.
Continue ReadingFull Answer
Some people wonder why the stomach doesn't digest itself, states HowStuffWorks. A healthy stomach doesn't digest itself because it protects itself. The stomach has an outer layer called the serosa, followed by two muscle layers that do the mechanical work of moving the food along, and then the mucosa, or inner layer. This layer is made up of epithelial cells, g-cells and parietal cells. The parietal cells actually make the hydrochloric acid, while the g-cells make a hormone called gastrin. It's the epithelial cells that protect the stomach by bathing it in a solution of alkaline bicarbonate.
The normal volume of stomach fluid is between 20 and 100 milliliters, claims MedlinePlus. Problems arise when the stomach makes too much acid, which can lead to stomach ulcers and may be the result of Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. This is a disorder in which tumors that may or may not be malignant make too gastrin. Gastrin in turn causes the stomach to make too much acid.
Learn more about OrgansRelated Questions
-
Q:
What Is the PH of the Small Intestine?
A: The pH in the small intestine increases from pH 6 in the duodenum to pH 7.4 at the distal end of the small intestine in the terminal ileum. The pH decrease... Full Answer >Filed Under: -
Q:
What Is the Function of Hydrochloric Acid in the Stomach?
A: Hydrochloric acid in the stomach lowers the pH to the ideal environment for enzymes to digest proteins into units that the body can use. This acidic enviro... Full Answer >Filed Under: -
Q:
Where Is the Stomach Located in the Human Body?
A: The stomach is located on the left side of the human body in the upper part of the abdominal cavity. It is a muscular organ and is part of the digestive tr... Full Answer >Filed Under: -
Q:
How Much Does the Human Stomach Weigh?
A: The adult human stomach weighs roughly 2 pounds when it is completely empty. However, its exact size and weight varies for each person, therefore only an a... Full Answer >Filed Under:
