Hydrochloric acid (HCl)

Definition

Hydrochloric acid is a strong, corrosive acid secreted by the parietal cells of the gastric glands in the stomach. Its main function is to maintain an acidic environment in the stomach, aiding in the digestion of proteins and activation of enzymes.

Related terms

Pepsin:

An enzyme in the stomach that breaks down proteins into peptides, activated by exposure to hydrochloric acid.

Gastric glands: Glands located within the lining of the stomach that secrete various substances including hydrochloric acid.

pH level: A measure of how acidic or basic a solution is; hydrochloric acid significantly lowers the pH level in the stomach, creating an acidic environment