Where is gastrin secreted in the digestive system?

Gastrin is a hormone that plays a crucial role in the digestive system, primarily in stimulating the secretion of gastric acid from the gastric parietal cells and promoting gastric motility. The primary site of gastrin secretion is indeed the pyloric antrum, which is the lower part of the stomach just before the duodenum. In this region, G cells produce gastrin in response to various stimuli such as the presence of food in the stomach and the stretch of the stomach wall.

The secretion of gastrin from the pyloric antrum is vital in regulating gastric functions, ensuring that the stomach is prepared to process incoming food effectively. When food enters the stomach, the stretching of the stomach wall and the presence of peptides from digested proteins trigger gastrin release, leading to increased hydrochloric acid secretion and aiding digestion.

Understanding the specific location of gastrin secretion helps clarify its physiological role and significance in the digestive process.