What Does Hydrochloric Acid Do in the Stomach?
Last Updated Mar 26, 2020 10:33:52 AM ET
According to Colorado State University, hydrochloric acid in the stomach kills any bacteria in food. It both attacks proteins directly and activates the pepsin enzyme, which is even more powerful in breaking down proteins. Springfield Technical Community College notes that the acid is released both on food detection and ingestion.
Colorado State University explains that the stomach secretions, also known as gastric juices, have four major components. One is hydrochloric acid, with the others being mucus, protein-attacking enzymes known as proteases, and hormones. The hormones control both the release of acid and the stomach movements. The stomach also releases a few other substances that help the intestines absorb nutrients later.
More From Reference
Here’s How Online Games Like Prodigy Are Revolutionizing Education
What Are the Steps of Presidential Impeachment?
What Does George Soros' Open Society Foundations Network Fund?
The History of the United States' Golden Presidential Dollars
How the COVID-19 Pandemic Has Changed Schools and Education in Lasting Ways
Fact Check: Is the COVID-19 Vaccine Safe?