Functions of the Stomach in the Digestive System
Digestion of food is a very complex process. On the way, food passes through the different digestive organs.
Each organ has special functions. Different chemical changes occur in food in the digestive organs that digest the food at different levels.
In this article, we will learn the functions of the stomach in the digestive system.
In other articles, we have already discussed the functions of the liver in our body and the functions of the pancreas in the digestive system.You can also read them for more clarity.
The stomach has a j-shaped bag like structure.It is found in the upper abdomen on the left side of your body.
Its size is variable and changes according to the quantity of food in it.
Let’s take a look at the functions of the stomach.
What are the Functions of the Stomach in the Digestive System? (Overview)
- The stomach stores the food temporarily.
- produces hydrochloric acid, which kills bacteria and helps to digest protein.
- Produces gastric juices- rennin converts milk into curd and pepsin converts protein into peptones.
- It mixes and break down food through its contract and relax movement.
Functions of the Stomach in the Digestive System (In detail)
The role of acid in our stomach
Rennin enzyme produced in stomach
Pepsin enzyme produced in stomach
The stomach cells known as chief cells are responsible for the production of pepsin, an enzyme.
This enzyme digests the protein.
But keep in mind that the pepsin enzyme does not directly digest the protein, but HCl also contributes to this.
The pepsin enzyme works only in an acidic medium. HCl makes the food acidic and activates the pepsin enzyme.
The pepsin enzyme converts proteins into peptones, which are the simplest form of protein.
The stomach breaks down and mixes the food.
Last words
FAQ-
Q1. What is the function of the mucus layer in the stomach?
A. A mucus layer protects your stomach walls from the attack of acid.
Q2. What causes acidity?
A. Generally, overeating causes acidity.
Q3. What is the pH of the stomach?
A. Less than 2.