Abstract
The primary function of the stomach is to prepare food for digestion and absorption by the intestine. Acid production is the unique and central component of the stomach's contribution to the digestive process. Acid bathes the food bolus while stored in the stomach, facilitating digestion. An intact defense against mucosal damage by the stomach's acid is essential to avoid ulceration. This article focuses on the physiology of gastric acid production, the stomach's defense mechanisms against acid injury, and the most common challenges to the gastric defenses. A brief description of the stomach's nonacid digestive capabilities is included.
| Original language | English (US) |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 977-982 |
| Number of pages | 6 |
| Journal | Surgical Clinics of North America |
| Volume | 91 |
| Issue number | 5 |
| DOIs | |
| State | Published - Oct 2011 |
| Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Digestive physiology
- Gastric acid
- Stomach
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Surgery
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Cite this
Ramsay, P. T., & Carr, A. (2011). Gastric acid and digestive physiology. Surgical Clinics of North America, 91(5), 977-982. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.suc.2011.06.010