The stomach is a muscular organ located in the upper abdomen, between the esophagus and the small intestine. It plays a crucial role in the digestive system by breaking down food and allowing the body to absorb nutrients.
The stomach is divided into four main regions: the cardia, fundus, body, and pylorus. It is lined with a layer of mucous membrane, which protects the stomach from its own digestive juices. The stomach also contains three layers of smooth muscle that help to mix and churn food.
The primary functions of the stomach include:
Several disorders can affect the stomach, including:
To understand the stomach in greater depth, consider the following study guide: