Question

Dr. lorraine also explains to mr. volpe that h. pylori impairs the normal buffering effect in his duodenum. what does she mean by the “buffering effect?” how does the duodenum accomplish this, and in what way does this protect the duodenum

Answer 1

Buffering refers to the neutralization of gastric acidity by the bicarbonate present in the pancreatic juice. Duodenum also protects itself by secretion of mucus, rich in bicarbonate. Infection with helicobacter may break the cells lining the epithelium, and therefore, mucosal secretions hampered, leading to reflux of acids into the stomach,  and thus, gastric ulcers are caused.