The mucous surface of the stomach has many folds, elongated longitudinally, and elevations (gastric fields), which are a large number of pits. Gastric juice is secreted into these depressions. It is produced by the glands of the mucous surface of the organ, looks like a colorless transparent liquid and has an acidic taste.
The cells of the glands of the stomach are divided into three groups: main, additional and parietal. Each of them produces different components that enter the gastric juice. The composition of the main cells is enzymes that help decompose food substances into simpler, easily digestible ones. Pepsin, for example, breaks down proteins, and lipase breaks down fats.
The lining cells produce hydrochloric acid, without which the desired acidic medium cannot form in the stomach cavity. Its concentration does not exceed 0.5%. A huge role in digestion also belongs to hydrochloric acid. It helps to soften many substances of the food lump, makes active enzymes of the gastric juice, destroys microorganisms. Hydrochloric acid is involved in the formation of digestive hormones. It also provokes the production of enzymes by the pancreas . The concept of "acidity" determines the amount of hydrochloric acid in the gastric juice. It is not always the same. Acidity depends on how quickly the juice is secreted and whether its mucus, which has an alkaline reaction, neutralizes, its level changes with diseases of the digestive system.
The viscosity that gastric juice has gives it the mucus produced by the extra cells. It makes hydrochloric acid neutral, thereby reducing the acidity of gastric juice. Also, this mucus contributes to the complete digestion of nutrients, protects against irritation and damage to the mucous membrane.
In addition to the components listed above, gastric juice contains many inorganic and organic substances, including Castle factor, a special substance, without which absorption of vitamin B 12 in the small intestine is impossible, which is necessary for the full maturation of red blood cells in the bone marrow.
Gastric juice, secreted at different times of secretion, has unequal digestion power. This was established by I.P. Pavlov. He said that secretion does not continue uninterruptedly: when the digestion process does not occur, juice is not secreted into the cavity of the stomach. It is made only in connection with the meal. The secretion of gastric juice can provoke not only food that has entered the stomach or tongue. Even smelling her, talking about her is the reason for his education.
Gastric juice can have a different composition and quantity for diseases of the liver, blood, stomach, gall bladder, intestines, etc. His study is the most important diagnostic method used in modern medicine. It is carried out using a gastric tube, which is injected directly into the stomach, sometimes on an empty stomach, sometimes after taking a preparatory breakfast, consisting of special irritants. An analysis of the extracted contents is then carried out. Modern probes have sensors that respond to temperature, pressure and acidity in the organ.
The quality and quantity of it can also change under the influence of experiences on the nervous soil. Therefore, sometimes it is necessary to conduct repeated tests of the gastric juice in order to clarify the diagnosis.
It is known that in medical practice it is used as a medicine for diseases of the stomach, which are accompanied by insufficient secretion of juice or a small amount of hydrochloric acid in it. Use it only as directed by a doctor. Gastric juice, prescribed for this purpose, can be both natural and artificial.