Which hormone is responsible for stimulating gastric acid release?

• A. Insulin
• B. Gastrin
• C. Secretin
• D. Cholecystokinin

Answer: (B)

Gastrin is the hormone responsible for stimulating gastric acid release. It is produced by G cells in the stomach lining in response to food ingestion, particularly proteins. When food enters the stomach, gastrin is released into the bloodstream, which then stimulates the parietal cells in the stomach lining to secrete hydrochloric acid (HCl). This increase in gastric acid not only aids in the digestion of food but also helps create an acidic environment necessary for the activation of digestive enzymes and the breakdown of food particles.

Insulin is primarily involved in glucose metabolism and does not play a direct role in the regulation of gastric acid secretion. Secretin, on the other hand, is produced in the small intestine and stimulates the pancreas to secrete bicarbonate, which neutralizes stomach acid; it does not stimulate acid release in the stomach. Cholecystokinin (CCK) is related to the digestion of fats and proteins and stimulates bile release from the gallbladder and enzyme release from the pancreas, but it does not have a direct action on gastric acid secretion.

Understanding these distinctions highlights the specific role that gastrin plays within the complex regulatory system of the digestive process.