Stomach (Stomach)

The stomach is a distensible organ of the digestive tract, shaped like a retort. It is located between the esophagus and duodenum. The stomach is connected to the esophagus through the cardial opening, and to the duodenum through the pylorus. The stomach is located under the diaphragm in the left hypochondrium.

The stomach performs several functions. Firstly, it is a reservoir for swallowed food, where it is mixed and partially digested under the action of gastric juice. Gastric juice, produced by the glands of the mucous membrane, contains hydrochloric acid and the enzyme pepsin. These substances are involved in the chemical processing of food. Together with mechanical mixing of food by muscle layers, this turns it into a semi-liquid mass (chyme), which then enters the intestines.

In addition, the stomach carries out secretory, endocrine and absorption functions. Thus, the stomach plays an important role in the digestion process.



The stomach is one of the most important organs of the human digestive system, which performs many functions. It resembles a retort in appearance and is located on the left side of the abdominal cavity, between the esophagus (which connects it to the pharynx) and the duodenum.

The stomach has two openings that connect it to other organs: the cardiac opening, which connects it to the esophagus, and the pyloric opening, which connects the stomach to the duodenum. Inside the stomach there are walls consisting of mucous membrane, muscle tissue and connective tissue. The mucous membrane contains glands that secrete gastric juice containing hydrochloric acid and pepsin - enzymes necessary for digesting food.

Main functions of the stomach:

  1. Reservoir for incoming food. Food enters the stomach through the esophagus after swallowing and mixes with gastric juice.
  2. Digestion of food. Gastric juice contains hydrochloric acid, which helps break down proteins and fats, as well as pepsin, which helps digest carbohydrates.
  3. Secretory function. The gastric glands secrete gastric juice containing hydrochloric acid and pepsin, which help digest food.
  4. Endocrine function. The stomach also contains hormones that regulate the functioning of other organs of the digestive system.
  5. Absorption of nutrients. After food is broken down in the stomach, it enters the small intestine, where it is absorbed into the blood and lymph.

Thus, the stomach is an important organ of the digestive system and performs many functions necessary for normal digestion.



The stomach is a large reservoir for breaking down and absorbing food. It resembles in appearance a vessel that is located between the esophagus (the food pipe leading to the stomach) and the duodenum.

The stomach belongs to the organs of the digestive system and is located just below the diaphragm, to the left of the rib bone. Nutrients and fluids absorbed from the intestines enter the stomach through the esophagus. This organ has several important functions.