Question

Where is your stomach located?

Answer 1

The stomach is a hollow organ and is a sac-like expansion of the digestive system. It is present between the esophagus and small intestine. It serves as a temporary storage spot for food and aids in the mechanical distribution of food before food is passed into the intestine. The stomach possesses digestive glands and hence, some of the digestive processes take place in the stomach. The empty stomach in humans is 12 inches long and 6 inches wide.

Complete answer

Fig: Region of Stomach. Displays the magnified view of the stomach and its regions.
The stomach is located in the abdominal cavity. It is present on the left side of the upper part of the abdominal cavity. The stomach is located below the liver and next to the spleen. The esophagus is capable to enter the stomach only after piercing via the diaphragm, separating the thoracic cavity from the abdominal cavity. The outlet of the stomach is through the duodenum, which is a part of the small intestine. The lower part of the rib cage aids in the partial protection of the stomach.
On the left side of the upper abdomen, a muscular organ is present, which is the stomach. It receives food from the esophagus. As the food enters the end part of the esophagus, it enters the stomach via a muscular valve, which is called the lower esophageal sphincter. The stomach secretes enzymes and acids that are used to digest food.

Note:
The stomach carries out many functions. Since it is a temporary storage organ, the urge for eating often is reduced. It secretes mucus, gastric hormone, hydrochloric acid, and pepsin. Pepsin enzyme is a proteolytic enzyme and carries out the digestive process. Due to hydrochloric acid, microorganisms can’t invade the gastrointestinal tract as higher pH prevents the microbes from surviving. Further, the stomach absorbs some water and alcohol.