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The Stomach

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Topics

  • Introduction
  • Function of the Stomach

Introduction:

The stomach is a large, sac-like organ in the digestive system that plays an important role in breaking down food before it moves to the small intestine. It is a muscular, J-shaped organ located between the oesophagus and the small intestine. It has muscular walls that help in churning the food.

Function of the Stomach:

1. Gastric Glands and Gastric Juice: The inner lining of the stomach contains gastric glands that release gastric juice.

The three main components of gastric juice are

  • Hydrochloric acid (HCl): makes the stomach contents acidic, helping kill germs and activate enzymes.
  • Pepsin: A digestive enzyme that begins the breakdown of proteins into smaller molecules.
  • Mucus: Protects the stomach lining from being damaged by the acid.

2. Churning of Food: The stomach contracts and relaxes to churn the food, mixing it with gastric juice. This process turns the food into a semi-solid slurry called chyme.

3. Digestion in the Stomach: Mainly proteins are digested in the stomach by the enzyme pepsin. Carbohydrates and fats are not fully digested here.

4. Transfer to the Small Intestine: Once food is properly churned and mixed, it slowly moves from the stomach to the small intestine for further digestion and absorption.

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