List the role of each of the following in human digestive system.
The roles of each of the following in the human digestive system are as follows:
a. Muscles of the stomach wall
The muscles of the stomach wall contract periodically and thereby help in the churning and mixing of food with the digestive enzymes and HCl acid. It helps in chemical digestion.
b. Hydrochloric acid
The hydrochloric acid (HCl) present in the stomach creates an acidic pH which is required to activate the enzyme pepsin from its inactive form pepsinogen. It also plays a role in killing any germs that may have entered the alimentary canal.
c. Mucus
The mucus secreted into the stomach plays two important roles. It helps in the lubrication of food, ensuring smooth movement through the canal. It also helps protect the stomach's inner lining from the harmful effects of HCl (hydrochloric acid).