stomach

The stomach is a muscular, hollow organ in the digestive system that processes food after you swallow. It uses strong muscles to mix food with digestive acids and enzymes, breaking it down into a semi-liquid substance called chyme. This process helps your body extract nutrients needed for energy, growth, and repair. The stomach also acts as a reservoir, regulating how food passes into the small intestine for further digestion and absorption. Its lining protects it from the acids used in digestion, ensuring it functions smoothly without harm.