Why does the acid in ones stomach not dissolve the stomach itself?

Answer 1

The lining of the stomach excretes several layers of mucous which protect the stomach lining from the acid (ph about 2-4), unless one develops a peptic ulcer which exposes to attack by the acid.

Answer 2

KiMM_CHEE, in my opinion, has the best answer yet. However, I would like to add that there is a bacteria amongst us called H. Pylori which is the cause of many ulcers. Yes, there are peptic ulcers, etc. So, your stomach (without boring you with alot of medical jargan) has the capability of digesting itself. If you were to eat a human stomach you could (never tried this) digest it. By the way, KiMM_Chee may be Korean and/or may enjoy a traditional Korean dish called Kim Chee which is made up of fermented Chinese cabbage, Fish sauce, red pepper, green onions, garlic, sometimes radish(usually Diakon), ginger, MSG, salt,Sugar & sweet rice flour depending on the recipe. The reason I mention this is that this stuff(I eat some 4-5 times a week and love it) is pretty spicy and is a main staple in the diets of most Koreans. In my experience, Koreans don't have many stomach issues. So, in a sense, it does very generally pertain to your question. Have a great day!

Answer 3

The stomach lining contains gastric glands which are made up of several different types of secretory cells: parietal cells, chief cells and mucous neck cells.

Mucous neck cells in the gastric glands and surface mucous cells in other areas of the stomach lining both secrete mucus, producing a layer which is 1-3mm thick. It is mostly this layer which prevents the gastric juice digesting the stomach wall.

Parietal cells produce intrinsic factor (required for the absorption of B12) and hydrochloric acid (HCl). Cheif cells produce gastric lipase, an enzyme which acts on milk fats, and pepsinogen, the precursor to pepsin which is an enzyme which digests proteins.

As well as killing most microbes which may be recieved with the food, HCl converts the pepsinogen and into the active pepsin enzyme. This means that there is no active protein digesting enzyme ever in or on the stomach lining cells as this activation can only happen in the HCl the other side of the mucus barrier.

Gastric lipase and a few other enzymes are produced in the stomach, each of which is separated from the lining cells by the layer of mucus.

As well as the protective mucus, food ingested will neutralise the acid to a certain extent. There is also the fact that stomach acid is not continually produced. Secretion of gastric juice only happens in response to certain triggers including seeing or smelling food, tasting and chewing. (Which is why chewing gum continually really can damage your stomach as excess acid is produced with no food to neutralise it. The mucus layer can "only take so much" and HCl ends up seeping through and killing cells of the lining which can lead to a stomach ulcer.)

An ulcer can occur if there is dysfunction of the mucus producing cells, resulting in reduced production, or of the gastric glands which may produce too much gastric juice or do so too frequently.

Answer 4

IT'S QUITE AMAZING THAT EVERYONE ABOVE HAS MANAGED TO PROVIDE A WRONG, NONSENSICAL OR PLAIN STUPID ANSWER!

The closest anyone got was Lulu (correction - Hanratty has just written an excellent answer whilst I was typing this). Lulu is correct in that it is protected by mucus. However the mucus is secreted by the lining of the stomach itself, and has nothing to do with the upper digestive tract.

For reference, alkalis are not used because they would neutralise the acid and render the stomach incapable of digestion.

The cells have no intrinsic resistance to attack by acids. This can be proven by the fact that if a segment of non-living removed stomach lining is placed in Hydrochloric acid (HCl, the acid used in the stomach) then it dissolves.

As for the Bile theory above. Bile is produced in the liver, stored in the Gall bladder, and secreted into the Pancreas via the sphincter of Oddi. It NEVER enters the stomach except in rare cases of gastric reflux.

And enzymes? Please! Stop trying to impress with words and concepts you don't understand.

AMAZING THAT 16 PEOPLE CAN TALK COMPLETE CRAP IN AN ATTEMPT TO MISLEAD SOMEONE ASKING A LEGITIMATE QUESTION.

Answer 5

The acid in one's stomach does not dissolve the stomach itself because the lining secretes a strong alkali to neutralise the hydrochloric acid.

Answer 6

In fact, the acid should dissolve the stomach itself. But it doesn't happen, because the volume of the acid isn't be able to dissolve the stomach itself. If the volume of the acid increase, and became too much in our stomach, our stomach would be dissolved.

Answer 7

Every few weeks, a new lining is produced to protect the stomach. People with ulcers do not have fully functional linings and as a result the acid damages their stomach.

Answer 8

There is an alkali layer protecting the stomach - it neutralises the acid before it causes harm. If your alkali lining is weak you can get ulcers but steriods can heal ulcers quickly. Anti-acid tablets are also very effective in protecting areas where the stomach lining is weak

Answer 9

acid in the stomach can sort of dissolve the stomach.... they're called ulcers. Excess acid can also cause problems in the espohgus...

Answer 10

a Lining of Bile in the stomach keeps the acid away from the actual flesh...if this lining fails the acid does burn the flesh and cause damage...known as an ulcer