Stomach Functions and Protection

The stomach has three important functions. First, it stores the food

we eat. Second, it breaks the food down into a liquid mixture using acids.

Third, it slowly empties this liquid into the small intestine. Food enters through

the esophagus. The cardiac region prevents backflow, the body digests the food,

and the pylorus controls release. Your stomach acid is strong enough to dissolve metal,

but your stomach does not digest itself. Why? Because a protective

mucus layer coats the stomach wall and renews itself regularly. You don't feel hunger

in your stomach. Hunger signals actually come from the brain. Your stomach can expand to hold much