Step 1: Understanding gastric juice.
Gastric juice is a digestive fluid secreted by specialized glands located in the lining of the stomach.
It contains hydrochloric acid (HCl), pepsinogen, intrinsic factor, and mucus.
Step 2: Functions of gastric juice.
- Hydrochloric acid maintains acidic pH and helps in digestion.
- Pepsinogen (activated to pepsin in acidic medium) helps digest proteins.
- Intrinsic factor is necessary for absorption of Vitamin B12.
- Mucus protects the gastric mucosa from autodigestion.
Step 3: Elimination of other options.
- (A) Duodenum: Receives bile and pancreatic juice, not gastric juice.
- (C) Kidney: Produces urine, not digestive juice.
- (D) Small intestine: Secretes intestinal juice, not gastric juice.
Step 4: Conclusion.
Thus, the stomach is the source of gastric juice.