What are the two main phases of gastric secretion?

The correct answer identifies the two main phases of gastric secretion as the cephalic phase and the gastric phase.

In the cephalic phase, the secretion of gastric juices is stimulated by the sight, smell, taste, or even the thought of food. This phase prepares the stomach for digestion before food actually enters it and is primarily mediated by the parasympathetic nervous system, particularly through the vagus nerve. It is an anticipatory response that sets the digestive process in motion.

The gastric phase occurs once food has entered the stomach. This phase is characterized by the stimulation of gastric secretions through the distension of the stomach wall, chemical signals from the presence of proteins, and the release of the hormone gastrin. Gastrin increases gastric acid secretion and promotes digestive enzyme activity, ensuring that the stomach effectively breaks down the food.

Choosing options like the nervous secretion and gastric phase secretion might misinterpret how different types of stimuli influence secretion. Gastric secretion and intestinal secretion incorrectly introduces the process happening beyond the stomach, while the vagal and hypersecretory phases do not recognize the distinct and recognized phases involved in gastric function. Therefore, identifying the phases correctly highlights the physiological mechanisms that regulate gastric secretion.