2006-09-11 02:43:12 · 10 answers · asked by Casey 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Chemistry
Hydrochloric acid, like most mineral acids can and does harm the body.
Stomach acid and digestive juices are made in the mucosa layer of the stomach. This layer has a coating which prevents it from being digested.
Heart burn is the sensation when stomach juices (gastric juice) is allowed to seep through the sphincter into the esophagus. This is also similar to gastric reflux. The esophagus is not protected by a mucosal lining and is harmed.
Also if even a week solution of Hydrochloric acid is allowed to touch the outer skin, the skin will be chemically burned by the acid.
2006-09-11 02:50:51 · answer #1 · answered by Richard 7 · 72⤊ 0⤋
All the food we eat goes into our stomach. Here, it is broken into smaller and simpler substances and get absorbed into the blood. Then, the blood carries these food particles to the different cells of the body, where they are used to provide energy to our body.
How is food broken into smaller particles?
When we eat, the glands lining the walls of the stomach secrete a thin, strongly acidic, almost colorless liquid, called gastric juice. It contains two kinds of enzymes called pepsin and rennin that break down the food to simpler substances. These enzymes can function only in a highly acidic environment.
That is why the gastric juices contain a very strong acid called hydrochloric acid. It is a colourless, or, faintly yellow, corrosive, and fuming liquid. The acid is so strong that it can corrode metal and burn almost anything that touches it.
Though all humans carry this strong acid in their stomachs, surprisingly it does not harm them. This is because of the presence of a slimy, white liquid that flows out our noses. It is called mucus.
It is a viscous mixture of mucins, water, electrolytes, epithelial cells, that form the inner lining of the skin, and leukocytes, which are white blood cells that fight disease. It is secreted by glands present on the surface of our nose and stomach.
Mucins are glycoproteins which make any substance viscous and act as a lubricant.
The mucus secreted by different parts of our bodies have special functions. In our nose, it serves as a lubricator and stops dirt and dust from going deep into the nose and also aids breathing. In our stomach, it forms a layer between the deadly gastric juices and the lining of the stomach walls. This mucus lining prevents the acid present in the gastric juices from damaging the stomach.
2006-09-11 02:50:55 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The mucus secreted by different factors of our bodies have specific purposes. In our nostril, it serves as a lubricator and forestalls dirt and dirt from going deep into the nostril and likewise aids respiration. In our abdomen, it types a layer between the deadly gastric juices and the lining of the tummy partitions. This mucus lining prevents the acid modern-day interior the gastric juices from detrimental the tummy. This wall created by the mucus layer is stated as the mucus membrane. It behaves like an acid-evidence glove that the tummy makes use of to maintain itself from getting burnt whilst using risky acids.
2016-12-12 06:28:58 · answer #3 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
HCl acid is a biochemical which we produce and is present in the stomach. It has a pH ranging 3 to about 5. It is not concentrated, thus is not caustic.
HCl acid is a very strong, it easily donates its proton. Its concentration in the body is enough to kill some harmfull organism through food and drinks intake.
2006-09-11 02:58:02 · answer #4 · answered by stroby 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
1
2017-01-27 00:47:20 · answer #5 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It does -- try sticking your hand into some, or swallowing it. It exists in the stomach without (normally) causing trouble because the stomach lining secretes a thick mucous coating to protect the stomach cells.
2006-09-11 02:46:00 · answer #6 · answered by stevewbcanada 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Why in the world do you think concentrated HCL will not harm the body? Of course, it does.
2006-09-11 03:04:48 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
it takes a certain concentration to do harm. if the HCl is dilute it will take a lot to do dammage, if it's concentrated a little can do a lot of dammage
2006-09-11 04:52:31 · answer #8 · answered by shiara_blade 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hi. It would if the stomach lining was not covered by mucus. If it get past the mucus you may get ulcers.
2006-09-11 02:46:55 · answer #9 · answered by Cirric 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is harmful to human tissue, respiratory organs, eyes, skin, and intestines.
2006-09-11 02:51:24 · answer #10 · answered by Snogood 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋