Inside the human stomach

BETA

artiteacher Stir the stomach cauldron to discover how acid and enzymes break down food.

artiteacher The chemical cauldron

Melting steel in this cauldron, yeah! (But my mucus keeps me safe, oh-oh!)

artiteacher The intrinsic factor that saves lives

artiteacher The stomach produces a special protein essential for absorbing vitamin B12.

The protein-chopping enzyme called pepsin

artiteacher A specialized enzyme called pepsin breaks down tough food proteins into absorbable pieces.

Fun Fact

Acid strength: Stomach acid is so strong that it can dissolve metal, including steel razor blades, within 24 hours of contact.

Glossary

pepsin (noun)
An enzyme in the stomach that breaks down proteins into smaller peptides. In 1836, German physiologist Theodor Schwann discovered this substance, making it the first animal enzyme ever isolated.

Gossip

What is the weirdest thing you swallowed?

Quiz

What is the main biological purpose of the stomach's extreme acidity?

artiteacher The protein-chopping enzyme called pepsin

Gossip

Would you drink synthetic stomach acid?

Quiz

Which acid is primarily found in the human stomach?

artiteacher Liquid fire in your belly cavity

Quiz

How much gastric juice does an average human stomach produce daily?

artiteacher The daily chemical factory inside you

Quiz

Which critical substance does the stomach secrete to allow vitamin B12 absorption?

Quiz

What is the typical pH range of human stomach acid?

Quiz

Which cells in the stomach lining are responsible for releasing hydrochloric acid?

Quiz

What is the inactive form of the protein-digesting enzyme pepsin?

Quiz

Why doesn't the enzyme pepsin digest the cells that actually produce it?