Location: Between a muscular tube called the oesophagus and the
small intestine Physical description: A J-shaped elastic sac
which is the widest part of your digestive system Function:
Storing food, breaking food down and mixing it with juices
secreted by your stomach lining Your stomach is a short-term
food-storage facility. This allows you to consume a large meal
quickly and then digest it over an extended period of time. When
full, your stomach can hold around one litre of chewed up food.
Swallowed food is propelled down your oesophagus into your
stomach. Food is enclosed in your stomach by two circular
muscles, known as sphincters. As soon as food enters your
stomach, your stomach lining releases enzymes that start
breaking down proteins in the food. Your stomach lining also
secretes hydrochloric acid, which creates the ideal conditions
for the protein-digesting enzymes to work. The potent
hydrochloric acid kills bacteria, protecting your body from
harmful microbes which can enter your body in food. Your