Components of Gastric Juice

pepsin

source - made from pepsinogen in the presence of HCl function - protein splitting enzyme that breaks down nearly all dietary protein

gastrin (hormone)

source - G-cells of gastric glands function - stimulates gastric glands to release more gastric juice, makes stomach churn

pepsinogen

source - chief cells of gastric gland function - precursor to pepsin

mucus

source - goblet cells, mucous neck cells (glands) function - forms a thick alkaline protective layer over the gastric mucosa (stomach wall)

hydrochloric acid

source - parietal cells of gastric glands function - denatures proteins and causes pepsinogen to be converted to pepsin

intrinsic factor

source - parietal cells of gastric glands function - essential for absorption of vitamin B12