Secretin Cell is a term used to describe a type of cell found in the lining of the small intestine. The spelling of this word can be explained using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) as /ˈsiːkrɪtɪn sɛl/. The first syllable is pronounced as "see", while the second syllable is pronounced as "kri-tin". The final syllable is pronounced as "sel". The correct spelling of this term is important for accurate communication among medical professionals and researchers studying the digestive system.
Secretin cells are a specialized type of cells found in the lining of the small intestine and the upper part of the duodenum, known as the duodenal mucosa. These cells are endocrine cells responsible for producing and secreting a hormone called secretin.
Secretin is a peptide hormone that plays a crucial role in the regulation of the digestive system. When food enters the stomach and then moves into the small intestine, secretin cells are stimulated to release secretin into the bloodstream.
The main function of secretin is to stimulate the pancreas to secrete bicarbonate-rich pancreatic juice into the small intestine. This secretion helps in neutralizing the acidic chyme coming from the stomach, thus creating an optimal environment for the digestive enzymes in the small intestine to function efficiently. Additionally, secretin inhibits the secretion of gastric acid, reducing its production and preventing damage to the duodenal mucosa.
The secretin cells possess receptors that can detect the acidity of the chyme passing through the duodenal mucosa. When the pH of the chyme drops below a certain threshold, the receptors in the secretin cells are triggered, leading to the release of secretin hormone. This feedback mechanism ensures a fine balance in the digestive system by regulating the release of pancreatic juice and gastric acid based on the pH levels in the small intestine.
The word "secretin" is derived from the Latin word "secernere", which means "to separate" or "to secrete". It was coined by the British physiologist Sir William Bayliss in 1902 to describe a substance produced by certain cells in the small intestine. These cells, now known as secretin cells, release secretin into the bloodstream in response to the presence of acid in the stomach. The term "cell" refers to the basic structural and functional unit of living organisms. Therefore, the term "secretin cell" simply describes a cell that produces and releases secretin.