Stomach

Functions Of The Stomach

Although it is a very complex organ which performs a wide variety of digestive actions, the stomach has 3 main functions:

• It stores the food bolus we swallow. This allows us to eat a large number of food calories in a relatively short time and then digest it over a longer period. Without the stomach's storage capacity, we would need to eat very small amounts of food continuously throughout the day, because the small intestine digests food very slowly. Gastric bypass induces weight loss by reducing the size of the stomach, so that less food (and thus fewer calories) can be eaten. See Bariatric Surgery Guide.
• It breaks down large fat and protein molecules in food, so they can be absorbed in the small intestine. To do this, the stomach releases a number of powerful gastric juicescontaining hydrochloric acid and other digestive enzymes. In addition to breaking down food, these acidic juices (PH 1-3) also kill bacteria in the food. For easier digestion, powerful muscles in the stomach wall churn the food into a paste of porridge-like consistency, called chyme. This churning action also ensures that the secreted gastric acids and enzymes are thoroughly mixed with the food.
• It empties the partially digested chyme into the duodenum (the first segment of the small intestine) at a manageable speed, through the the pyloric sphincter. While the intestine is full and still digesting food, the stomach acts as storage area for food.

The absorption of food and water by the stomach is negligible, but iron and highly fat-soluble substances like alcohol are absorbed directly. Finger-like folds called villi give the stomach a huge surface both to absorb food and secrete digestive juices.

Special cells secrete a protective coating called mucus, on the stomach walls to prevent damage from gastric acids. Originally it was thought that peptic ulcers were caused by an erosion of this mucus lining by these acids. However recent research indicates that these ulcers are caused largely by the spread of a type of bacteria called Helicobacter pylori bacterium into the gastric walls.

Food typically takes 4-5 hours to pass through the stomach into the duodenum, the first part of the small intestine.

This is not possible to say how much stomach acid present in stomach, but the pH of acid is more acidic than an HCl and Sulphuric acid.I think this answer is right. If not ,plz answer it, k.

I was looking for the answer to this question this morning, and this is what I found on wisegeek.com :

"There are a number of reasons why the level of hydrochloric acid rises and causes a stomachache of this type. Many of these underlying causes have to do with lifestyle choices. This means it is possible to alter habits and behavior and minimize the recurrence of sour stomach in many cases.

One of the most common causes of this phenomenon has to do with consuming too much food within a couple of hours of retiring for the evening. Many people who choose to eat late in the evening do not allow enough time for their bodies to process the food before positioning themselves in a prone position. This makes it easier for the acid to back into the digestive tract and cause a burning sensation that makes it very difficult to rest. The obvious solution here is to eat earlier in the evening and engage in some light activity, such as walking to help stimulate the digestive process.

Along with consuming too much food too late in the day, the type of food consumed can also lead to a sour stomach. Excess consumption of fatty foods can irritate the stomach and lead to a great deal of pain. While taking an antacid may help ease the discomfort, a better option is to consume less animal fats and consume more nutrient-rich options, such as green vegetables.

The root cause for sour stomach in some cases has nothing to do with the type or amount of food consumed. Instead, the stomach is irritated by the consumption of substances that could be minimized or avoided altogether. Smokers increase their chances of developing a sour stomach. In addition, tobacco consumption can exacerbate any tendency to develop an ulcer. Choosing to quit smoking and avoid the use of tobacco products in general can save the individual a lot of pain and also minimize the chances of developing a peptic ulcer.

Stress can also be involved in the creation of a sour stomach. The emotional state of an individual will often impact the ability of various systems in the body to perform at peak efficiency. Someone who is constantly worried or fearful often find they experience a tightness in the stomach area that leads to indigestion no matter what or when they eat. Often, counseling or engaging in activities to minimize stress levels will also lead to a decrease in problems with indigestion as well. "