gastric juice

biochemistry

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June 29, 2026

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Gastric juice is a fluid secreted by the gastric glands in the stomach lining. It contains hydrochloric acid, mucus, and enzymes, primarily pepsin. This highly acidic mixture (pH 1.5–2.5) helps to break down food, particularly proteins, into smaller peptides. The stomach lining is protected from this corrosive environment by a layer of mucus. Pepsinogen, the inactive form of pepsin, is released by zymogenic cells and activated by hydrochloric acid. Gastric juice also plays a role in preparing food for further digestion in the small intestine by forming a semiliquid mass called chyme.123

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antacid
…used to counteract or neutralize gastric acids and relieve the discomfort caused by gastric acidity. Indigestion, gastritis, and several forms of ulcers are alleviated by the use of antacids.
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…used to counteract or neutralize gastric acids and relieve the discomfort caused by gastric acidity. Indigestion, gastritis, and several forms of ulcers are alleviated by the use of antacids.
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gastrin
…it triggers the secretion of gastric juice. This juice consists primarily of hydrochloric acid, which helps break apart fibrous matter in food and kills bacteria that may have been ingested, and pepsinogen, which is a precursor of the protein-splitting enzyme pepsin. Gastrin also increases the motility of the stomach, thereby…
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…it triggers the secretion of gastric juice. This juice consists primarily of hydrochloric acid, which helps break apart fibrous matter in food and kills bacteria that may have been ingested, and pepsinogen, which is a precursor of the protein-splitting enzyme pepsin. Gastrin also increases the motility of the stomach, thereby…
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H2 receptor antagonist
…that blocks histamine-induced secretion of gastric acid in the stomach. These drugs, which include cimetidine (Tagamet) and ranitidine (Zantac), are used for short-term treatment of gastroesophageal reflux and, in combination with antibiotics, for peptic ulcer.
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…that blocks histamine-induced secretion of gastric acid in the stomach. These drugs, which include cimetidine (Tagamet) and ranitidine (Zantac), are used for short-term treatment of gastroesophageal reflux and, in combination with antibiotics, for peptic ulcer.
Read More