Name the organ where pepsin enzymes are secreted in human digestive system
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
Correct Answer:
The organ where pepsin enzymes are secreted in the human digestive system is the stomach.
Explanation:
Pepsin is a digestive enzyme that plays a vital role in breaking down proteins into smaller peptides. This enzyme is secreted by specialized cells in the stomach lining, specifically the chief cells. However, pepsin is not secreted in its active form. Instead, the stomach secretes an inactive precursor called pepsinogen. This is a protective mechanism to prevent the enzyme from digesting the proteins within the cells that produce it.
Once pepsinogen enters the acidic environment of the stomach, it comes into contact with hydrochloric acid, which is produced by the parietal cells in the stomach lining. The acid lowers the pH of the stomach contents to around 1.5 to 3.5. This acidic condition is essential because it activates pepsinogen by converting it into pepsin, the active form of the enzyme. Pepsin then begins to digest protein molecules by breaking the peptide bonds that hold amino acids together.
The stomach is uniquely designed to handle this acidic and enzymatic activity. Its mucosal lining secretes a layer of mucus that protects the stomach walls from being digested by its own enzymes and acids. This balance is crucial. If the protective mechanisms fail, it can lead to conditions such as ulcers.
Pepsin is one of the first enzymes involved in protein digestion. However, its action is not sufficient on its own. After the stomach, the partially digested proteins move into the small intestine, where other enzymes from the pancreas and intestinal lining continue the digestive process until proteins are broken down into individual amino acids that the body can absorb and use.
Thus, the stomach is the key organ for the secretion and activation of pepsin in the human digestive system.
