Why doesn't the hydrochloric acid in a hyena's stomach eat through the stomach lining?

Question

I seen on Animal Planet that the hyenas can digest bones from it's prey because of the highly concentrated hydrochloric acid in it's stomach. Is the lining of it's stomach stonger than bone? Or how is this possible?

Answer 1

We have stomach acid that's about pH2 and that's pretty strong! Basically, the cells that line the stomach have little chains of molecules on their surface called the glycocalyx (i think - don't quote me on that!) This layer of molecules traps with it a very thick alkaline mucous which is secreted by the lining cells, which prevents the acid from reaching the cells of the stomach. That's what goes wrong when you get a stomach ulcer, either your cells aren't producing enough mucous or the pH is too low for the mucous layer to handle.

Answer 2

1

Answer 3

All Hyeanas are bulimic. They all vomit what they eat to stay thin.
The acid exits the stomach in time to protect the soft tissue. That's also why they're always laughing - it's a defense mechanism to protect themselves from coming to grips that they are so self conscious.

Answer 4

Just to let you know, humans also have hydrochloric acid in their stomachs to help digest.

Answer 5

Mucus is pretty acid proof.

We have acid as well. IF the lining gets nicked or so we get ulcers from the acid.

Answer 6

Mucus

Answer 7

The stomach lining is constantly regenerating itself.

Answer 8

How dense can one be? I looked at your previous question and wow are you dense. Hey it is simple, MUCUS MEMBRANE, it protects the stomach from the acid.

Answer 9

I'll keep this simple and easy enough for even you to understand. 2 words mucus membrane.

Answer 10

it does but the stomach linings grow back constantly