Stomach

A muscular organ crucial for digesting food and aiding in nutrient absorption.

The stomach is a J-shaped, hollow organ located in the upper left abdomen. It serves as a critical component of the digestive system, receiving food from the esophagus and mixing it with digestive juices. This mixture, called chyme, is eventually delivered to the small intestine for further digestion and nutrient absorption.

Terminologia Anatomica

ventriculus

System

Digestive system

Function

The stomach performs several essential functions in the digestive process. It acts as a temporary storage site for food, allowing the body to digest meals over time rather than in one immediate go. The stomach’s muscular walls contract rhythmically in a process known as peristalsis, which helps to mix food with gastric juices produced by its lining. These juices contain hydrochloric acid and digestive enzymes that break down fats and proteins, making nutrients more accessible for absorption. The stomach also plays a role in the immune system by killing harmful bacteria that may enter with food, protecting the intestines from infection. The highly acidic environment enhances enzyme effectiveness, ensuring the complete breakdown of complex food substances into simpler forms that can be absorbed in the intestines.

Location

The stomach is situated in the upper abdomen, lying beneath the ribcage and left of the midline. It is positioned between the esophagus, which transports food from the throat, and the duodenum, the first section of the small intestine where digestion continues. This organ is approximately 25 to 30 centimeters long and sits primarily in the left upper quadrant of the abdomen, nestled beneath the diaphragm and above the intestines. Its location allows it to efficiently receive food from the esophagus and release the processed chyme into the small intestine.

Did You Know?

The stomach emptying process typically takes about 2 to 6 hours, depending on the type of food consumed.
The lining of the stomach continuously regenerates every few days to prevent damage from its acidic environment.
Although the stomach is often associated with digestion, it primarily serves to prepare food for the small intestine rather than acting as the main site for nutrient absorption.
Certain cells in the stomach secrete intrinsic factor, essential for vitamin B12 absorption in the intestines.