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| STOMACH |
What is the Stomach and Its Function?
The stomach is a muscular, hollow organ located in the upper abdomen, beneath the rib cage. It serves as a temporary holding and mixing chamber for food. The primary function of the stomach is to break down food into a semi-liquid form called chyme, which is then passed to the small intestine for further digestion and nutrient absorption. This process involves the secretion of gastric juices, including hydrochloric acid and digestive enzymes.
Stomach Parts
The stomach is divided into several distinct parts, each with a specific role in the digestive process:
1. Cardia: The region where food enters the stomach from the esophagus.
2. Fundus: The upper curved part of the stomach.
3. Body (Corpus): The main central region where food is mixed and broken down.
4. Pylorus: The lower section of the stomach that connects to the small intestine, regulating the passage of chyme.
Stomach Function
The stomach performs four key functions essential for digestion:
1. Storage: The stomach stores ingested food and releases it gradually into the small intestine.
2. Mixing and Breakdown: Muscular contractions mix food with gastric juices, breaking it down into a semi-liquid form.
3. Digestion: Gastric acids and enzymes begin the digestion of proteins.
4. Defense: The acidic environment helps kill harmful bacteria and pathogens ingested with food.
Stomach Disease
Several diseases can affect the stomach, impacting its ability to function correctly. Common stomach diseases include:
1. Gastritis: Inflammation of the stomach lining, often caused by infection, chronic use of NSAIDs, or excessive alcohol consumption.
2. Peptic Ulcers: Open sores that develop on the inner lining of the stomach or the upper part of the small intestine.
3. Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): A condition where stomach acid frequently flows back into the esophagus, causing irritation.
4. Stomach Cancer: A malignant growth in the stomach lining, often detected at an advanced stage due to subtle early symptoms.
Stomach Pain
Stomach pain can have various causes, ranging from mild to severe. Common causes of stomach pain include:
1. Indigestion: Discomfort or pain in the stomach associated with difficulty in digesting food.
2. Gastritis: Inflammation of the stomach lining, causing pain and discomfort.
3. Ulcers: Open sores in the stomach lining can cause burning pain.
4. Infections: Bacterial or viral infections can lead to stomach pain and discomfort.
How Does the Stomach Work?
The stomach works by receiving food from the esophagus and mixing it with gastric juices through muscular contractions. This process helps break down the food into smaller, digestible pieces. The stomach's acidic environment aids in the initial digestion of proteins and provides a defense mechanism against ingested pathogens. Once the food is adequately processed, the pylorus regulates the passage of the semi-liquid chyme into the small intestine for further digestion and absorption.
What is the Main Function of the Digestive System?
The main function of the digestive system is to break down food into smaller molecules that can be absorbed into the bloodstream and used by the body's cells. This involves mechanical and chemical digestion, nutrient absorption, and waste elimination.
What Are the 7 Steps of Digestion?
The seven steps of digestion are:
1. Ingestion: Taking in food through the mouth.
2. Propulsion: Swallowing and moving food through the digestive tract.
3. Mechanical Digestion: Physically breaking down food into smaller pieces (chewing and stomach churning).
4. Chemical Digestion: Breaking down food with digestive enzymes and acids.
5. Absorption: Nutrients from food are absorbed into the bloodstream through the walls of the intestines.
6. Assimilation: Nutrients are delivered to cells throughout the body.
7. Elimination: Removal of indigestible substances and waste from the body through defecation.
Understanding the various functions and parts of the stomach, as well as recognizing common diseases and their symptoms, can help maintain good digestive health and prevent potential issues.
