Gastrointestinal | Gastric Secretion: The Cephalic & Gastric Phase
Ninja Nerd・2 minutes read
Gastric secretions involve three phases: cephalic, gastric, and intestinal, with varying stimuli and mechanisms for hydrochloric acid and pepsin production. Different receptors and cells are responsible for regulating the digestive process, including inhibitory factors like somatostatin and the sympathetic nervous system.
Insights
The three phases of gastric secretions are cephalic, gastric, and intestinal, with the cephalic phase contributing one-third of the total gastric juice secretion, triggered by stimuli like sight, thought, smell, and taste of food before it even reaches the stomach.
Gastric juice production in the cephalic phase is driven by the vagus nerve, activating parietal and chief cells to produce hydrochloric acid and pepsin, while inhibitory events in the sympathetic nervous system can decrease acid and enzyme production, showcasing the intricate balance of factors influencing digestive processes.