The Stomach
Stomach
The Stomach (/ˈstʌmək/; from ancient Greek στόμαχος, stomachos, stoma means mouth) is a major organ in the digestive system, responsible for the second phase of digestion, following mastication (chewing).
Anatomy
The stomach lies between the esophagus and the duodenum (the first part of the small intestine). It is on the left side of the abdominal cavity, the fundus of the stomach lying against the diaphragm. Lying beneath the stomach is the pancreas, and the greater omentum hangs from the greater curvature.
Function
The stomach is a muscular, hollow organ in the gastrointestinal tract of humans and many other animals, including several invertebrates. The stomach has a dilated structure and functions as a vital digestive organ. In the digestive system the stomach is involved in the second phase of digestion, following mastication (chewing).
Diseases
There are many diseases that can affect the function of the stomach. These include, but are not limited to, gastritis, peptic ulcer disease, stomach cancer, and gastroenteritis.
Related Terms
- Gastric acid: The acid produced by the stomach to aid in digestion.
- Gastric mucosa: The mucous membrane layer of the stomach which contains the glands and the gastric pits.
- Gastric pits: The openings to the gastric glands.
- Gastric glands: The glands that secrete gastric juice.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on The Stomach
- Wikipedia's article - The Stomach
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