Which of the following acids is secreted in the stomach?
- ASulphuric acid
- BNitric acid
- CPhosphoric acid
- DHydrochloric acid
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: (d) Hydrochloric acid
Explanation
The stomach secretes hydrochloric acid (HCl) from its parietal (oxyntic) cells.
HCl activates pepsinogen into pepsin and kills ingested microbes; sulphuric, nitric and phosphoric acids play no role in digestion.