MCQ Detailed View

The stomach is a muscular, hollow organ located in the upper part of the abdomen, between the esophagus and the small intestine. Its main function is to temporarily store food after it is swallowed, before it is further digested and passed into the small intestine. On average, the human stomach can hold about 1 to 1.5 liters of food and liquid, expanding and contracting as needed.

Once food enters the stomach, it undergoes mechanical digestion through muscular contractions called peristalsis, which churn and mix the food. At the same time, chemical digestion takes place. The stomach secretes gastric juices, including hydrochloric acid (HCl) and digestive enzymes like pepsin, to break down proteins and prepare the food for absorption in the intestines. However, it is important to note that while the stomach produces enzymes and HCl, it does not "store" them—these substances are secreted only during digestion. The main substance stored in the stomach is food.

The stomach has three main parts:

1. 
   

   Fundus: The upper part, where undigested food and gases collect.

   
   


2. 
   

   Body: The central region, where most mixing and digestion occur.

   
   


3. 
   

   Pylorus: The lower section, which regulates the passage of partially digested food into the small intestine.

   
   

Storing food allows the stomach to gradually release it into the small intestine, ensuring efficient digestion and nutrient absorption. Without this storage function, food would pass too quickly through the digestive system, reducing the body's ability to break it down properly.

The correct answer is Option B: Food, as the stomach’s primary role is to temporarily store and process ingested food, making it ready for further digestion in the intestines.