Why, along with digestive enzymes, the stomach glands secrete hydrochloric acid?

Hydrochloric acid is essential for digestion. First of all, she takes part in the breakdown of food. Together with digestive enzymes, hydrochloric acid promotes the rapid breakdown of food into smaller organic structures. Also, hydrochloric acid acts as an antiseptic. It destroys bacteria and all microorganisms that enter the stomach. But it, like digestive enzymes, does not affect the walls of the stomach. All thanks to a special mucous membrane that contains substances that neutralize acid.