Question

Which of the following is not a major activity of the stomach?

(A) storage

(B) HCl production

(C) nutrient absorption

(D) enzyme secretion

Short answer

(A) The option "storage" is false.

(B) The option "HCl production" is false.

(C) The option "nutrient absorption" is true.

(D) The option "enzyme secretion" is false.

Step-by-step solution

Stomach

The sac-like structure lined by mucus and gastric gland is the stomach. Cardiac and pyloric are two parts of the stomach. The stomach serves as a reservoir, and churning of the food takes place. It produces HCL with gastric juice. The HCl also kills the pathogens that enter the body via food.

Explanation of option '(A)'

The primary food reservoir of the body is the stomach. If the stomach does not store food, animals would have to eat every few minutes.

Therefore, the stomach is used as a temporary receptacle for the storage of food.

Thus, the given option is false.

Explanation of option '(B)'

The stomach's gastric glands walls contain parietal cells that secrete gastric juice, which contains HCl. The proton pump present in parietal cells decreases the pH of the gastric juice by the stimulation of histamine.

Therefore, HCl is secreted by the stomach.

Thus, the given option is false.

Explanation of option '(C)'

The stomach is known for its mechanical digestion and breakdown of protein and fat through its enzymes. Absorption takes place in the small intestine only.

Therefore, the stomach does not participate in the absorption of nutrients.

Thus, the given option is true.

Explanation of option '(D)'

The stomach contains peptic cells, parietal cells, and mucus cells. They secrete enzymes such as pepsinogen, HCl, and renin. These enzymes help in the digestion of protein and fat.

Therefore, the stomach secretes digestive enzymes.

Thus, the given option is false.