Question

Mucus is secreted by the

• A. Stomach
• B. Duodenum
• C. Large intestine
• D. All of the above

Answer 1

Answer: (D)

All of the above

• Stomach - Foveolar cells are mucus-producing cells, which cover the inside of the stomach, protecting it from the corrosive nature of gastric acid. The mucus produced by these cells is extremely important, as it prevents the stomach from digesting itself.
• Duodenum - Brunner's glands (or duodenal glands) are compound tubular submucosal glands present in the duodenum. The main function of these glands is to produce a mucus-rich alkaline secretion (containing bicarbonate) in order to: protect the duodenum from the acidic content of chyme (which is introduced into the duodenum from the stomach); provide an alkaline condition for the intestinal enzymes to be active, thus enabling absorption to take place and lubricate the intestinal walls.
• Large intestine - Goblet cells reside throughout the length of the small and large intestine and are responsible for the production and maintenance of the protective mucus blanket by synthesizing and secreting high-molecular-weight glycoproteins, known as mucins.