The document presents information on the mechanism of HCl production in the stomach. It discusses the three phases of gastric secretion regulation and the two pathways of acid secretion - the cAMP dependent pathway and the Ca2+ dependent pathway. In both pathways, parietal cells in the stomach secrete acid through the action of histamine and stimulation of the H+/K+ ATPase pump. HCl production allows for protein digestion and creates an inhospitable environment for bacteria in the stomach. Common drugs for treating acid reflux include proton pump inhibitors which block acid secretion and H2 receptor blockers which prevent histamine from stimulating acid release.