What are the components of gastric juice?

Gastric juice is a crucial digestive fluid produced in the stomach, and it contains several key components that aid in the digestion process. The correct answer highlights three primary components: mucus, enzymes, and hydrochloric acid.

Mucus plays an important role in protecting the stomach lining from the corrosive effects of acid and digestive enzymes. It acts as a lubricant, facilitating the passage of food and preventing erosion of the stomach tissue.

Enzymes, such as pepsin, are vital for breaking down proteins into smaller peptides, initiating the process of digestion in the stomach. These enzymes work optimally in the acidic environment created by hydrochloric acid.

Hydrochloric acid is essential for maintaining the acidic pH of the stomach, which is necessary for enzymatic activities and helps in killing harmful bacteria that may be ingested with food. The acidic environment also aids in solubilizing certain minerals, thus enhancing their absorption later in the digestive process.

Together, these components create an effective environment for digestion, making this option the most accurate representation of gastric juice's composition.