The Stomach

​

Structure

• Muscular bag shaped like a J found in the upper abdomen on the left side of the body

• There are sphincters (valves) at each end to control the movement of food

• The stomach contains glands that produce gastric juice that contains enzymes and acid

 

Function

• Stores and churns food into a substance called chyme

• There is little digestion that occurs in the stomach (proteins)

• The main function is to destroy bacteria (hydrochloric acid)

​