NURS 251 Pharmacology Module 7 COMPLETE STUDY GUIDE WITH PROBLEM SET QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS 2025 Portage Learning

NURS 251 Pharmacology Module 7 COMPLETE STUDY GUIDE WITH PROBLEM SET QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS 2025 Portage Learning Module 7 7.1 : Introduction to Gastroenterology The organs of the upper gastrointestinal tract (mouth, pharynx, esophagus, stomach, and duodenum) work in conjunction to first digest food and then absorb the nutrients obtained from the digested food. Both the stomach and the upper part of the small intestines (duodenum) release hormones and enzymes that help in this process. When food enters the body, the stomach is triggered to begin releasing gastric juices such as hydrochloric acid (HCl) and an enzyme called pepsin. HCl is released by parietal cells located in the stomach. Due to its acidic nature, HCl aids in the breakdown of food entering the stomach. Pepsin is the primary digestive enzyme found in the stomach. Pepsin is responsible for the catabolism (breaking down) of proteins into polypeptides.