What hormone is produced when food arrives in the stomach?

When food enters the stomach, specialized cells in the stomach lining secrete the hormone gastrin. Gastrin plays a critical role in the digestive process by stimulating gastric acid secretion from the parietal cells in the stomach. This acid is essential for breaking down food and creating an optimal environment for enzymes and further digestive processes to take place. Gastrin also promotes gastric motility, ensuring that the stomach efficiently mixes and propels the food.

Understanding gastrin’s function highlights its importance in digestive physiology. The presence of food, particularly proteins, triggers the release of gastrin into the bloodstream, reinforcing the body’s ability to digest nutrients effectively.