Curated Content
Published at Canadian Society of Intestinal Research
The stomach is a J-shaped organ that lies between the esophagus and the small intestine.
It has three main functions:
- Stores ingested food and releases it into the small intestine at a rate that is optimal for digestion and absorption.
- Secretes hydrochloric acid, which kills most of the microorganisms ingested with food, and secretes enzymes that begin protein digestion.
- Mechanically breaks down food and mixes it with gastric secretions to produce a thick, liquid mixture known as chyme.
Fun Fact!
Stomach acid is very acidic and contains enzymes that break down proteins, so at least every three days a new protective layer of mucus covering the stomach lining forms. Without it, the gastric juices would begin to macerate your stomach!
Read the full post at GI Society.
Canadian Society of Intestinal Research