Stomach Information

       Stomach Information

The stomach is a J-shaped organ that digests food.

It produces enzymes (substances that create chemical reactions) and acids (digestive juices).

This mix of enzymes and digestive juices breaks down food so it can pass to your small intestine.

Your stomach is part of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract.

The stomach is a muscular, J-shaped organ in the upper abdomen that stores and breaks down food.

    Anatomy

The stomach has five areas: cardia, fundus, body, antrum, and pylorus.

The stomach is connected to the esophagus and the small intestine.

The stomach has multiple layers, including mucosa, submucosa, muscularis, subserosa, and serosa.

   Function

The stomach mixes food with digestive juices and enzymes.

The stomach stores food and breaks it down.

The stomach produces intrinsic factor, which helps the small intestine absorb vitamin B12.

   Regulation

Emotional stress can alter normal stomach functions.

The stomach is controlled by the vagus nerve and the sympathetic nervous system.

    Disorders

Stomach disorders can cause pain and bleeding.

Stomach disorders include peptic ulcers, gastric cancer, and gastritis.

        Other facts

The stomach can store food for up to five hours.

The stomach's shape and size vary from person to person.

The stomach can expand to hold over a gallon of food.