The Digestive System: Upper Gastrointestinal Tract

Pepsin

a digestive enzyme present in gastric juice that breaks down proteins into peptides

Amalase

a digestive enzyme that breaks down starch and carbs

Pyloric sphincter

The muscular valve at the bottom of the stomach that controls flow of digested food from stomach to small intestine

Hydrochloric Acid

a strong stomach acid produced by the epithelial cells in the stomach; necessary for digestion of food

Zymogen

an inactive precursor that is requires change to be activated

When does maximum secretion of hydrochloric acid and pepsinogen in the stomach occur?

between meals, the stomach is empty and pretty much inactive. When food enters the stomach, it sets off a full response with the secretion of hydrochloric acid and pepsinogen.