digestive hormones

Somatostatinomas (Somatostatin Hormone Secreting Tumors)

Somatostatinoma Definition Somatostatinomas are rare tumors of the pancreatic cells that secrete the hormone somatostatin. The pancreas is not the only location where somatostatin is produced but larger somatostatinomas are most likely to occur in the pancreas. Since this hormone has a suppressive action on most other >> Read More ...

Digestive Problems (Maldigestion) – Common Symptoms and Causes

Digestion is the process by which food is broken down into simpler substances so that it can be absorbed by the alimentary tract. It is both a mechanical and chemical process that starts from the time food enters the mouth. Problems with digestion (maldigestion) may arise in any part of the alimentary tract. A disruption >> Read More ...

Digestive Enzymes – List of Glands, Organs and Volume

What are Digestive Enzymes? Digestive enzymes are the chemical catalysts that break down food into simpler nutrients so that it can be absorbed. These enzymes make up a crucial part of the digestive process known as chemical digestion and acts along with mechanical digestion (chewing and churning) to allow for maximum >> Read More ...

Achlorhydria, Causes of Low or No Stomach Acid

What is achlorhydria? Achlorhydria is the medical term for a lack of stomach acid (hydrochloric acid) due to the failure of the parietal cells to produce gastric acid. Hypochlorhydria is the term for diminished secretion of stomach acid. Achlorhydria may also be referred to as gastric anacidity. Hydrochloric acid (HCl) is >> Read More ...

Gastric Acid Secretion – Production, Stimulation, Inhibition

The gastric glands, also known as the oxyntic glands, secrete hydrochloric acid (HCl), pepsinogen and intrinsic factor. These glands are made up of 3 types of cells : mucus neck cells which secretes mucus peptic/chief cells which secretes pepsinogen parietal/oxyntic cells which secretes HCl and intrinsic factor All these >> Read More ...

Digestive Hormones – Chemicals that Control Digestion

What are Digestion Hormones? Digestive hormones (gut hormones) are chemical ‘messengers’ which signal the gastrointestinal tract and accessory organs to perform different actions in order to coordinate the digestive process. It may act on an entire organ, part of the organ or specific tissues and cells to : >> Read More ...