What is Succus Entericus

Answer: The succus entericus is a fluid secreted in small amounts by the glands present in the duodenum of the small intestine. It has a highly variable composition and contains a variety of enzymes (such as erepsin, lipase, lactase, enterokinase and amylase) as well as mucus. The brush border cells are in charge of secreting goblet cells and succus entericus.

The main components of succus entericus are as follows: 

• Disaccharidases (such as maltase, lactase and sucrase)
• Dipeptidases
• Lipases
• Nucleotidases
• Nucleosidases
• Enterokinase 

In addition, it also contains water, mucoproteins and hydrogen carbonate ions. It consists of 2 types of enzymes known as amylase as well as maltase.

The main functions of succus entericus are as follows: 

1. It counteracts the highly acidic and proteolytic chyme entering the small intestine from the stomach
2. It protects the duodenum from damage that might be caused by the acidic digestive juices and enzymes
3. The succus entericus is responsible for completing the process begun by the pancreatic juice
4. The erepsin in succus entericus completes protein digestion by breaking down the polypeptide chains into amino acids

Now you have a brief idea regarding the different kinds of digestive juices that are produced by different parts of the digestive system. Some are alkaline, while others are acidic. The pH level has to be maintained in our stomach, otherwise our organs may be damaged. This is why when you eat spicy food, there might be a temporary imbalance of enzymes, making you feel uncomfortable. 

Though these enzymes and juices are produced in consideration, our organs may be affected by their acidity or alkalinity as we grow older.