ANAPHY REVIEWER — The Digestive System (Stomach & Gastric
Functions)
The Stomach: Overview
A muscular, hollow organ that stores food and mixes it with digestive juices. It turns food
into chyme (partially digested food + gastric juice) and has rugae — folds that allow
expansion when full.
Main Regions:
1. Cardia – where food enters from the esophagus.
2. Fundus – dome-shaped top part; stores undigested food and gases.
3. Body – main central region.
4. Pyloric Antrum & Canal – lower part; connects to the duodenum via the pyloric sphincter.
Layers of the Stomach Wall
1. Mucosa – innermost layer; contains gastric glands and mucus.
2. Submucosa – connective tissue with blood vessels and nerves.
3. Muscularis externa – has 3 layers of smooth muscle: longitudinal, circular, and oblique
(unique to the stomach; helps in mixing food).
4. Serosa – outer protective layer.
Gastric Glands and Their Cells
Cell Type Location Secretion Function
Mucous neck cells Upper gastric pit Thin, acidic mucus Lubricates food,
protects lining
Parietal cells Middle region HCl & Intrinsic HCl lowers pH, kills
factor bacteria, activates
pepsinogen;
Intrinsic factor
helps absorb
Vitamin B12
Chief cells Deep gastric gland Pepsinogen Converts to pepsin
when exposed to
HCl; digests proteins
Enteroendocrine Deep gland region Hormones (Gastrin, Regulate secretion,
cells (G cells) etc.) motility, and other
digestive activities
Gastric Juice
Mixture of: HCl, Pepsinogen (→ Pepsin), Mucus, Intrinsic factor, and Hormones (like
gastrin).
Functions:
- Kills microbes
- Breaks down proteins
- Activates enzymes
- Protects mucosa
The Mucosal Barrier
Protects the stomach from digesting itself through three mechanisms:
1. Thick mucus layer rich in bicarbonate ions – neutralizes acid.
2. Tight junctions – prevent gastric juice leakage.
3. Rapid cell replacement – epithelial cells replaced every 3–6 days.
If this barrier breaks down → ulcers may form.
Ulcers — When the Mucosal Barrier Breaks Down
Caused by stress, dehydration, caffeine, NSAIDs (like ibuprofen), or H. pylori infection. Acid
damages epithelial cells → open sores (ulcers). Treated with antacids or antibiotics.
Regulation of Gastric Secretion (3 Phases)
1. Cephalic Phase (from the head): Triggered by sight, smell, taste, or thought of food. Brain
signals stomach to secrete gastric juice.
2. Gastric Phase (from the stomach): Food enters stomach → receptors detect stretch →
release gastrin → more HCl & enzymes. If acid too strong, secretion slows.
3. Intestinal Phase (from the small intestine): Chyme enters duodenum. Brief stimulation,
then inhibition to prevent overload.
Gastric Hormones and Their Functions
Hormone Produced By Function
Gastrin Stomach (G cells) Stimulates gastric juice
secretion, increases motility
Histamine Stomach cells Stimulates HCl secretion
from parietal cells
Serotonin Stomach Causes stomach muscle
contractions
Somatostatin Stomach & pancreas Inhibits gastric secretion
and motility
Ghrelin Stomach & hypothalamus Triggers hunger signals
Intrinsic Factor Parietal cells Helps absorb Vitamin B12
in small intestine
Gastric Emptying
Process of moving chyme from stomach to duodenum (2–4 hours). Carbs empty fastest,
proteins moderate, fats slowest. Controlled by pyloric sphincter.
Intrinsic Factor (Important!)
Only stomach function essential to life. Needed for Vitamin B12 absorption. Without it →
pernicious anemia. People with stomach removal surgery may need B12 injections for life.
Summary of Key Terms
Chyme – semi-liquid food + gastric juice
Rugae – folds that expand the stomach
Pepsin – enzyme that digests proteins
HCl – strong acid that kills microbes and activates enzymes
Mucosal barrier – protects stomach lining
Gastrin – hormone that increases gastric activity
Intrinsic factor – allows B12 absorption