Stomach

• What is the primary function of the stomach?

  The stomach holds food and mixes it with acid and enzymes to break it down.
• Where is the stomach located in the human body?

  The stomach is located in the upper left-hand side of the abdomen.
• How long is an adult's stomach?

  An adult's stomach is about 25 cm long.
• What is the maximum capacity of the stomach?

  The stomach can expand to hold about 1 litre of food.
• What connects the mouth to the stomach?

  The oesophagus connects the mouth to the stomach.
• What is the first part of the small bowel that the stomach connects to?

  The stomach connects to the duodenum, the first part of the small bowel.
• Which organs are located close to the stomach and assist in digestion?

  The pancreas, gall bladder, and liver are close to the stomach.
• What are the four layers of the stomach wall?

  • Mucosa: Inner layer that produces enzymes and acid.
  • Submucosa: Attaches the mucosa to the muscularis.
  • Muscularis: Layer of muscle that helps move food.
  • Serosa: Strong outer membrane covering the stomach.
• What is the role of the mucosa in the stomach?

  The mucosa produces enzymes and acid that help digest food.
• What is the function of the muscularis layer in the stomach?

  The muscularis layer squeezes the stomach walls to help move food into the small bowel.
• What happens to food after it is chewed and swallowed?

  It passes down the oesophagus to the stomach.
• How does the stomach break down food?

  The stomach churns food and mixes it with acid and enzymes to break it down into smaller pieces.
• What nutrients does the small bowel absorb from the food processed in the stomach?

  The small bowel absorbs important substances like vitamin B12, iron, and calcium.
• How do digestive juices from the stomach and pancreas assist the small bowel?

  They help the small bowel take in important substances from food.
• What is the stomach classified as in the human body?

  A muscular, hollow organ
• What is the primary function of the stomach in the digestive system?

  It functions as a vital organ involved in digestion
• What phase of digestion follows the cephalic phase?

  The gastric phase
• What stimulates the cephalic phase of digestion?

  The sight and smell of food and the act of chewing
• What occurs in the stomach during the gastric phase of digestion?

  A chemical breakdown of food takes place
• What two substances are involved in the chemical breakdown of food in the stomach?

  Digestive enzymes and gastric acid
• Where is the stomach located in relation to the esophagus and small intestine?

  Between the esophagus and the small intestine
• What controls the passage of chyme from the stomach into the duodenum?

  The pyloric sphincter
• What is peristalsis and where does it take over in the digestive process?

  Peristalsis is the movement that pushes chyme through the intestines, taking over in the duodenum
• What are the four sections of the human stomach?

  • Cardia
  • Fundus
  • Body
  • Pylorus
• What is the function of the gastric cardia?

  It is where the contents of the esophagus empty into the stomach
• What marks the beginning of the greater curvature of the stomach?

  A cardiac notch at the left of the cardiac orifice
• What is the role of the fundus in the stomach?

  It is formed in the upper curved part of the stomach
• What is the pylorus and its function?

  The pylorus connects the stomach to the duodenum at the pyloric sphincter
• What is the anatomical proximity of the stomach to the pancreas?

  The pancreas lies behind the stomach
• What is the greater omentum?

  A large double fold of visceral peritoneum hanging from the greater curvature of the stomach
• What regulates the secretory and motor activity of the stomach?

  The parasympathetic and sympathetic plexuses
• How much food can the stomach normally hold?

  About one litre
• What is the maximum stomach volume observed in extreme circumstances?

  Up to 15 litres
• What are the four sections of the stomach?

  Cardia, fundus, body, pylorus
• What is the function of the gastric mucosa?

  It forms the lining of the stomach
• What is the role of the muscular layer in the stomach wall?

  It consists of three layers of muscular fibres that aid in peristalsis
• What is the inner oblique layer responsible for?

  Creating the motion that churns and physically breaks down food
• What is the function of the middle circular layer of the stomach wall?

  It surrounds the pylorus and controls the movement of chyme into the duodenum
• What is the myenteric plexus responsible for?

  It innervates the muscular layers and causes peristalsis and mixing
• What is the outer longitudinal layer's role in the stomach?

  It moves semi-digested food towards the pylorus