Question

In which part of the stomach mainly digestion occurs?
A. Cardiac region
B. Fundic region
C. Pyloric region
D. All of the above

Answer 1

The stomach is located in between the esophagus and duodenum. It forms the major part of the gastrointestinal tract, also commonly called the GI tract. Inside the stomach, mixing of food with acids takes place. This breaks down the food into smaller particles through chemical and mechanical digestive processes.

Complete answer:
The stomach is situated in the abdominal cavity at its upper left side. It comprises three major regions, namely, the cardiac region, the fundus and the pyloric region. The fundic region constitutes the largest portion of the stomach. It consists of the body and antrum. Antrum secretes gastrin hormone which inturn stimulates the body region to secrete hydrochloric acid (HCL) and intrinsic factor of Castle. HCL breaks down the food and thus helps in digestion whereas intrinsic factor helps in absorption of vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin).
However, the cardiac region is found in the closest proximity to oesophagus. It is located at the opening of the oesophagus. Cardiac, as the name suggests, consists of cardiac glands which are mucous secreting glands. Another part of the stomach known as the pyloric region opens up into the small intestine and secretes mucus and gastrin hormone.

Hence, the correct answer is option (B).

Note: Gastric juices present inside the stomach aids in breaking down the food chemically while contraction of food via smooth muscles namely, the mucosa, submucosa and muscularis externa leads to mechanical breakdown of the food. This chemically and mechanically broken down food is thus known as the chyme.