Stomach

The stomach is a muscular organ located on the left side of the upper abdomen. It plays a key role in the digestion of food and is an important part of the digestive system.

Anatomy of the Stomach

The stomach is divided into four main parts: the cardia, fundus, body, and pylorus. The inner lining of the stomach contains millions of small gastric glands that secrete gastric juices, including hydrochloric acid and enzymes, which help break down food.

Functions of the Stomach

The stomach performs the following functions:

1. Storage: The stomach stores food and liquid that have been swallowed until they are mixed with gastric juices and released into the small intestine.
2. Breakdown of food: The stomach uses its muscular walls and acidic gastric juices to break down food into a semi-liquid form called chyme.
3. Killing bacteria: The high acidity of the stomach's gastric juices helps to kill harmful bacteria that may be present in the food we eat.
4. Secretion of hormones: The stomach secretes hormones that help regulate digestion and appetite, such as gastrin, ghrelin, and leptin.

Common Stomach Disorders

Some common disorders of the stomach include:

• Gastritis: Inflammation of the stomach lining, often caused by factors such as excessive alcohol consumption, stress, or bacterial infection.
• Peptic ulcers: Open sores that develop on the lining of the stomach, esophagus, or small intestine, often due to infection with Helicobacter pylori bacteria or long-term use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD): A chronic condition in which stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, causing symptoms such as heartburn and acid regurgitation.
• Gastric cancer: Cancer that develops in the lining of the stomach, often associated with factors such as chronic gastritis, smoking, and a diet high in smoked, pickled, or salted foods.

Study Guide

When studying the stomach, it is important to focus on the following key points:

1. Understand the anatomy of the stomach, including its structural parts and the functions of the gastric glands.
2. Learn about the digestive functions of the stomach, including the breakdown of food and the secretion of gastric juices.
3. Be familiar with common stomach disorders, their causes, symptoms, and potential treatments.
4. Explore the role of the stomach in overall digestive health and its connection to other organs in the digestive system.

By mastering these concepts, you will have a comprehensive understanding of the stomach and its importance in the process of digestion.

[Stomach] Related Worksheets and Study Guides:

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• The Digestive System & NutritionScience • Eighth Grade
• Human bodyScience • First Grade
• Science Worksheets: Acids and basesScience • Fifth Grade
• Organ systemsScience • Fourth Grade