Answer :
Answer:
Yes, gastric glands play a crucial role in the digestion of food in humans. These glands are primarily located in the lining of the stomach and secrete gastric juice, which is a combination of hydrochloric acid, enzymes (such as pepsin), and mucus.
The important roles of gastric glands in digestion include:
1. **Production of Hydrochloric Acid:** Gastric glands secrete hydrochloric acid, which helps in breaking down food particles and creates an acidic environment (low pH) that is essential for the activation of enzymes.
2. **Activation of Pepsin:** Pepsinogen, an inactive enzyme produced by the stomach lining cells (chief cells), is activated to pepsin by the acidic environment provided by hydrochloric acid. Pepsin is responsible for breaking down proteins into smaller peptides.
3. **Secretion of Mucus:** Mucus secreted by gastric glands helps to protect the stomach lining from the corrosive effects of hydrochloric acid and provides lubrication for food to move smoothly through the stomach.
4. **Digestion of Food:** The combined action of hydrochloric acid, pepsin, and mucus aids in the breakdown of food particles into smaller molecules that can be further digested and absorbed in the small intestine.
5. **Killing Bacteria:** The acidic environment created by gastric glands helps to kill harmful bacteria and other pathogens that may be present in ingested food, thereby playing a role in protecting the body from infections.
Overall, the secretion of gastric juice by gastric glands is essential for initiating the digestion of proteins and creating an environment conducive to further digestion and nutrient absorption in the gastrointestinal tract.
Explanation:
These glands are found in the stomach region.
It is located in the wall of the stomach.
It secretes gastric juice which contains mucus,
and pepsin (a protein-digesting enzyme).
They are very important for the proper digestion of food.