The Stomach (Cambridge International IGCSE Biology)

Spec point — 7.3.6 · Describe the function of the stomach in physical digestion

The stomach

• The stomach is one of a number of organs that make up the digestive system

• The role of the digestive system is to break down large insoluble molecules into smaller, soluble food molecules to provide the body with nutrients

• The stomach lining contains muscles which contract to physically squeeze and mix the food with the strong digestive juices that are present

  • This is known as "stomach churning"

• Food is digested within the stomach for several hours

Three types of tissue found in the stomach are muscular, epithelial and glandular tissue