Hydrochloric acid has all the following digestive functions except a. activation of the enzyme pepsin. b. breakdown of connective tissue in meat. c. neutralization of stomach acid. d. destruction of some ingested microorganisms.

Answer: C. Neutralization of stomach acid.

Hydrochloric acid is one of the three components of the stomach acid. The other two are potassium chloride and sodium chloride.

It plays a key role in the destruction of some ingested microorganisms. It is also vital to the digestion of proteins by activating the enzyme pepsin.

the abdomen (less formally called the belly, stomach, tummy or midriff) constitutes the part of the body between the thorax (chest) and pelvis, in humans and in other vertebrates. the region occupied by the abdomen is termed the abdominal cavity. the stomach secretes acid and enzymes that digest food. ridges of muscle tissue called rugae line the stomach. the stomach muscles contract periodically, churning food to enhance digestion. the pyloric sphincter is a muscular valve that opens to allow food to pass from the stomach to the small intestine.

segmentation=endoskeleton=backbone=coelom=tissues