anatomy and physiology digestive system
Index

The Stomachstomach

This organ is a storage sac of approxiamately one litre.  The bolus first enters the stomach and meets the gastric juice secreted by glands in the stomach walls. The hydrochloric acid present in the gastric juice:

i) stops the activity of salivary amylase
ii) provides the correct acid medium for the gastric enzymes
iii) kills some bacteria which enter with the food

Mucus is also secreted which protects the lining of the stomach.  Food may remain in the stomach for as long as three hours.  Simple molecules such as alcohol and glucose may be absorbed straight into the bloodstream.  The food mass is turned into chyme.
back to the oesophagus on to the duodenum