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Bicarbonate-rich barriers neutralise gastric acid at the mucosal surface. The figure is taken from Encyclopaedia Britannica, which is linked in full on this page. Every fact on Mondo Knows names its source rather than repeating an unsourced claim.

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Thick alkaline mucus shields the stomach from self-digestion

Bicarbonate-rich barriers neutralise gastric acid at the mucosal surface

The stomach produces potent enzymes and hydrochloric acid capable of digesting tissue. To protect itself, surface epithelial cells secrete a thick layer of mucus rich in bicarbonate ions, creating a neutral pH buffer that prevents stomach acid from digesting stomach tissue.

Where this comes from

Encyclopaedia Britannica

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More facts like this

The stomach regenerates its mucous lining every few daysEpithelial cell renewal prevents stomach acid from digesting stomach walls Stomach acid is strong enough to dissolve soft metalsGastric juice maintains a low pH to sterilise food and digest proteins The small intestine measures roughly six metres in lengthExtensive surface area absorbs most dietary nutrients into the blood The large intestine absorbs water and houses trillions of microbesColon microflora break down indigestible fibres and synthesise vitamins Food travels down the oesophagus using muscular wavesPeristaltic contractions push food to the stomach even when upside down The gallbladder stores and concentrates liver-produced bileBile release into the small intestine emulsifies dietary fats for absorption

Tags: stomach, mucus, digestion

Thick alkaline mucus shields the stomach from self-digestion: the short answers

Where does this come from, and can I check it?: Bicarbonate-rich barriers neutralise gastric acid at the mucosal surface. The figure is taken from Encyclopaedia Britannica, which is linked in full on this page. Every fact on Mondo Knows names its source rather than repeating an unsourced claim.
Is this really a human body fact?: Yes. It sits on the Human Body shelf, one of 1,090 sourced facts grouped into space, animals, the human body, history, science and more. Category pages collect every fact in the same field.
What else can I read about it?: The links under the fact point to a quiz, game, puzzle or calculator on the same subject, and the shelf below shows related facts. The wording here is original, and quoted phrases are marked as quotations.