The role of the stomach is to stretch to accommodate large meals and initiate protein digestion. Explain how its anatomical structure relates to its function.

 

The role of the stomach is to stretch to accommodate large meals and initiate protein digestion. Explain how its anatomical structure relates to its function.

~ A muscular organ situated on the left side of the upper abdomen is the stomach. From the esophagus, the stomach receives food. When food reaches the end of the esophagus, through a muscular valve called the lower esophageal sphincter, it enters the stomach. Acid and enzymes that digest food are secreted by the stomach. Muscle tissue ridges, called rugae, line the stomach. Periodically, the stomach muscles contract, churning food to enhance digestion. A muscular valve that opens to allow food to pass from the stomach to the small intestine is the pyloric sphincter.