Digestive Glands : Functions of Digestive Enzymes

Digestive Glands:

There are about 40 million gland cells, present in the lining of the interior stomach walls, which secrete the chemicals into the stomach. The constant peristaltic movements of the stomach helps in mixing these chemicals thoroughly with the food. Each of these chemicals is secreted by a special type of the cell and have a specific function.

The chemicals which are secreted in the stomach are the digestive enzymes like pepsin, rennin and lipase, hydrochloric acid and watery mucus.

Function of Rennin and Pepsin:

Rennin is a cheese maker and its function is to digest the milk. The milk is converted to milk curds by the rennin, but the milk curds do not pass into the small intestine until they are further hydrolysed by the pepsin. Pepsin along with the above function, it also have other functions like breaking down the proteins and split up the protein foods.

Function of Hydrochloric acid:

Hydrochloric acid is a strong acid and it is a corrosive substance, if it is not diluted it eats away the stomach lining. The mucus secretions and other fluids in the food dilute the hydrochloric acid upto which it is rendered harmless. The environment inside the stomach will be slightly acidic only. This slightly acidic environment serves as a protection by inhibiting the growth of bacteria.

A Note on Symptoms of Gastro-Intestinal Tract Disorders:

• Anorexia
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhoea
• Constipation
• Bleeding