The term “stomach” is often overused. You might say you have butterflies in your stomach when you feel nervous, complain of having a “stomachache,” or strive for a physique with a “flat stomach.” However, these sensations or characteristics have little to do with the organ. So what does the stomach do, really?
Your stomach is part of the digestive system, helping you turn food into energy and start the process of disposing of waste. It’s a “j-shaped” or “comma-shaped” organ inside your abdomen's left upper quadrant, and the size and shape of your stomach will vary based on factors like sex, body size, and how much food you’ve recently eaten. In this article, we’ll answer the question, “What does the stomach do?” including its anatomy, main functions, and how it communicates when something is wrong.
It’s common to use the term “stomach” when referring to your abdominal cavity. However, this region contains several vital organs, including the stomach, intestines, liver, and kidneys. You may call abdominal discomfort a “stomachache” or attribute feelings of nervousness or excitement to the organ. In actuality, those feelings and sensations stem from a complex interplay between nerves and hormones throughout the body.
Your stomach is composed of soft tissue structures like muscles, nerves, and mucosa that help support digestion.
Cardia: The top part of your stomach which connects to the esophagus
Fundus: The dome-shaped, often gas-filled portion to the upper left of the cardia
Body: The central portion of your stomach
Antrum: The lower portion that holds the food you eat
Pylorus: The bottom portion that connects your stomach to your duodenum and small intestines
The five parts of the stomach wall include the following:
Your stomach’s anatomy creates an environment where food can be turned into nutrition using gastric acids and enzymes. The contents of your stomach help digest food by changing its pH and breaking it down. A typical adult human stomach will make about 1.5 liters of gastric secretions daily.
Gastric enzymes help food digest by splitting it into smaller molecules called chyme. Gastric acids, or gastric juices, are produced by the stomach's mucosal layer and are a combination of lipase, pepsin, and hydrochloric acid (HCL). The stomach also produces hormones like ghrelin, which signals hunger to the brain and communicates a sense of fullness after a meal. In all, your stomach plays a vital role in the digestive process and serves several essential functions, including:
While the stomach directly facilitates the following functions, it’s important to remember that it's part of a more extensive system. Other digestive organs like the pancreas, liver, and gallbladder function with the stomach to secrete digestive enzymes and bile, breaking down carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. Everything moves through the small intestine (duodenum, jejunum, and ileum), the large intestine, and eventually out as a bowel movement. But there are other functions beyond digestion that your stomach takes care of.
Bacteria elimination: Your stomach is an important part of the immune system. The stomach's highly acidic environment eliminates many harmful bacteria that may have entered with food, maintaining a healthy balance within the gastrointestinal tract.
Intrinsic factor production: The stomach produces intrinsic factor, a protein essential for absorbing vitamin B-12 in the small intestine. B-12 creates healthy blood cells and ensures proper nervous system function.
Persistent digestive issues like heartburn, reflux, or unexplained stomachaches may significantly impact your quality of life. Occasional discomfort is normal, but frequent issues could indicate a more serious problem, such as:
Simple yet effective lifestyle changes may be needed for your digestive health. For example, eating smaller, more frequent meals, avoiding trigger foods that cause discomfort, and managing stress levels may all contribute to a healthier stomach.
Various medications may also be prescribed to address specific stomach issues. These might include medications to reduce stomach acid, treat any underlying infections, or heal ulcers, offering relief and promoting healing.
In some cases, more in-depth diagnostic procedures, such as an endoscopy, might be required. This allows healthcare providers to look closer at the stomach and identify any underlying issues that might not be apparent through less invasive methods.
What does the stomach do? Your stomach plays an essential and unparalleled role in digestion and overall health. Getting professional medical attention is vital when experiencing discomfort or symptoms related to stomach ailments. A healthcare provider can identify the underlying cause and provide an appropriate treatment plan, ensuring optimal health and well-being.
While diagnostic imaging is essential for addressing specific symptoms, preventive screening is crucial for proactive healthcare. Ezra Full Body MRI provides a non-invasive screening option to identify potential health issues before symptoms arise. While an endoscopy is the test to look at your stomach, the Ezra Full Body Scan can screen up to 13 other organs with potential cancers. It could be the key to early detection.
Most importantly, the Ezra Full Body Scan offers peace of mind, empowering you to focus on a more proactive approach rather than “wait and see.”
