What is the function of the stomach?

The stomach is a muscular organ in the digestive system that plays a key role in the digestion of food. Its primary function is to store food temporarily and break it down into a semi-liquid form.

It secretes gastric juices, which include hydrochloric acid and digestive enzymes like pepsin. Hydrochloric acid creates an acidic environment that helps kill harmful bacteria and activates digestive enzymes. Pepsin begins the digestion of proteins.

The stomach also performs mechanical digestion by churning and mixing food with digestive juices, forming a substance called chyme.

This partially digested food is then gradually released into the small intestine for further digestion and absorption.