Question

How is required pH maintained in the stomach and small intestine?

Answer 1

pH of stomach:

1. ​Hydrochloric acid (HCl) is secreted from the walls of the stomach.
   
2. It results in the acidic pH of the stomach which ranges between pH values 1 and 3.
   
3. This highly acidic pH helps with the digestion of food in the stomach forming the acidic food called chyme.
   
4. The pepsinogen becomes active to form pepsin which can digest the proteins present in food.
   

pH in small intestine:

1. ​Bicarbonate ions and bile are secreted inside the small intestine.
   
2. The bicarbonate ions make the environment alkaline inside the small intestine.
   
3. This is important for the action of the intestinal juice and enzymes secreted in the intestine.