Stomach – location, structure, diseases, functions [WE EXPLAIN]

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The stomach is an organ that can hold up to 2 liters of fluid. It is flexible, so it can stretch beyond its size when eaten. The stomach digests what we eat and processes the food into a pulp. Few people know that the stomach changes its shape and even its position. Check what else is worth knowing about the stomach.

Stomach – location

The stomach is an important part of the digestive system. It is made of muscles and looks like a left curved hook. However, it should be remembered that it may change its appearance.

The stomach is located at the height of the 11th vertebra of the thoracic spine and is located in the abdominal cavity. It is directly connected to the esophagus from above and to the duodenum from below. Its size can vary from 1 to 3 liters, and it all depends on the degree of its filling and the tension of the stomach walls.

The stomach’s task is to further break down food and sterilize it. The sterilization is possible thanks to gastric juices secreted by the stomach, which consist of digestive enzymes such as rennet and pepsinogen, and hydrochloric acid, which destroys microorganisms. Importantly, the stomach digests fats and proteins from food.

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Stomach – structure

The stomach is covered from the inside with a mucosa, and from the outside it is covered with a serous membrane. There is a muscle between these two layers. The stomach is part of the digestive system, the total length of which is about 7-8 meters. The main task of the stomach is to further digest food, which began in the mouth with the breakdown of starch.

When the food enters the stomach, it begins to contract and relax, which allows it to continue crumbling and moving the food into the duodenum. On the chemical side the process of digesting food is the gradual mixing of the food with gastric juice. In this way, the food is prepared for further processing in the digestive system.

The stomach is upside down in the abdominal cavity, followed by the body of the stomach and the pylorus. The place where the stomach connects with the esophagus is called the cardia.

This is also where the stomach sphincter is located, which lets in fluids and crushed food and, importantly, prevents the stomach contents from flowing back into the esophagus. If the sphincter works too hard, the food has trouble reaching the stomach, while if it is too loose, the food can flow back into the esophagus and even reach the throat.

The stomach is closed by the pylorus, which is responsible for the correct direction of the stomach. This means that the pylorus of the stomach ensures that the digested food reaches the small intestine through the duodenum and does not retreat.

In the area of ​​the stomach there are, among others:

1. liver – in front slightly above the stomach;
2. spleen – on the back of the stomach;
3. left kidney;
4. pancreas;
5. transverse colon.

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Stomach – gastric juices

Gastric juices contain hydrochloric acid, which does not damage the gastric mucosa, which is surprising many people. This is due to the peculiarities of the structure of the gastric mucosa. The mucosa is not smooth. The gastric fields and the cosmic folds are separated from each other by the dimples of the stomach, in which there are glands producing hydrochloric acid and the enzyme pepsin.

These substances make up gastric juicewhich does not damage the gastric mucosa because:

1. pepsin is produced in the form of an inactive precursor – pepsinogen, which is activated by hydrochloric acid when it passes through the mucosa into the stomach;
2. the cells of the gastric mucosa are tightly arranged, and the membrane itself is covered with protective mucus, which prevents hydrochloric acid from penetrating the membrane again.

If hydrochloric acid destroys the mucosa, erosions appear on it, which can turn into ulcers.

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Stomach – functions

The primary function of the stomach is digestion, but the stomach also has the following tasks:

1. food sterilization;
2. food fragmentation;
3. digest protein and, thanks to gastric lipase, start digesting fats;
4. digestion of sugars due to salivary amylase – up to 30% food sugar.

Stomach – innervation and vascularization

The stomach is innervated by nerve fibers that depart from the vagus nerve and the visceral plexus. On the other hand, the gastric, gastro-net and spleen arteries are responsible for the vascularization. In turn, the lymph is drained to the gastric, pancreatic, pyloric and pancreatic-spleen nodes.

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Stomach – digestion

In order for the stomach to start producing gastric juices, the brain must receive a signal to increase the production of gastric juices. This happens when a person begins to eat. The glands in the stomach lining then begin to produce more pepsinogen and hydrochloric acid.

Pepsinogen is an inactive digestive enzyme that is activated only when it combines with hydrochloric acid to form pepsin, the main component of gastric juice. On the other hand, hydrochloric acid causes an acidic pH in the stomach and also fights microorganisms.

It is worth supporting the work of the stomach, e.g. by using FOR THE STOMACH – herbal tea, which is available on Medonet Market.

Stomach – diseases

Stomach diseases can have various causes, but the most common manifestations are digestive problems. However, they should not be taken lightly as they can have serious health consequences. Below we present the most common stomach diseases.

1. Stomach cancer – it is a malignant tumor, which is to a large extent a consequence of inappropriate eating habits. A risk factor for the development of malignant gastric cancer is a diet rich in salty, smoked and canned products, and therefore mainly highly processed products. Therefore, the main element of gastric cancer prevention is a proper diet, rich in raw vegetables and fruits. Addictions also influence the development of stomach cancer. The symptoms of gastric cancer are very nonspecific, so it is difficult to diagnose the disease in its initial stage. The first symptoms of stomach cancer are nausea and a burning sensation. There is vomiting, flatulence and pain after a meal. The patient may notice less appetite, weakness and constant fatigue. Such a person loses weight for no apparent reason, and in addition, blood appears in the stool, which may turn it black. Gastric cancer diagnosis is based on gastroscopy of the stomach. In the examination, the doctor assesses the condition of the gastric mucosa from the inside and takes a section of it, which he then looks at under a microscope. Treatment of stomach cancer consists in removing the stomach or its part where the lesions are and surrounding lymph nodes. In some cases, after gastroscopy, the patient receives chemotherapy.
2. Stomach ulcers – otherwise, cavities in the gastric mucosa. The problem of stomach ulcers is more common in men than in women. Such lesions may be the size of a peppercorn as well as a few centimeters in diameter. The cause of the appearance of ulcers is too much hydrochloric acid, which gradually damages the mucosa. However, in most patients (7 out of 10), the cause of gastric ulcer development is an infection with the bacterium Helicobacter pylori. The infection occurs through the ingestion. Other causes of stomach ulcers include stimulants, i.e. smoking and alcohol abuse, as well as stress, large amounts of coffee and the addition of hot spices to dishes. Genetics is also important, as the disease often affects first-degree relatives. Symptoms of stomach ulcers are burning pains in the upper abdomen after meals and in the morning. The ailments worsen after eating spicy, spicy or sour dishes. People with stomach ulcers often struggle with vomiting and nausea.
3. Functional disorders of the stomach and duodenum – these problems related to the operation of nerves and reflexes. The symptoms of these disorders are sudden pain that occurs immediately with great intensity. Problems may arise during stressful events, also some time later. Treatment is based on calming down and relaxing, so your doctor will often prescribe sedatives and prescribe an easily digestible diet.
4. Gastritis and duodenum – the condition is also known as gastritis. Most often it is a consequence of eating something that could be harmful, i.e. hard to digest, stale, moldy, contaminated with pathogenic microorganisms or toxic chemicals, such as pesticides. Certain medications can also cause gastritis. The symptoms of catarrh are epigastric pain, nausea, vomiting, fever, diarrhea, weakness and feeling worse. Gentle stomach problems only require an easily digestible diet and drinking plenty of fluids. However, in severe cases, hospitalization is often necessary.

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Stomach – diagnosis of gastric diseases

Stomach diseases are diagnosed in several ways. Most often, doctors choose:

1. gastroscopy of the stomach – endoscopic examination involving the insertion of a tube with a camera through the patient’s esophagus, which allows for a thorough examination of the gastric mucosa. The image is transmitted directly to the computer, so the doctor can see what is going on inside the stomach;
2. Gastric X-ray – it is a radiographic examination of the abdomen, so it consists in taking an X-ray of the stomach, which shows any changes;
3. occult blood test;
4. blood serological test.

Stomach – herbs for stomach ulcers

Herbs for stomach ulcers is a simple way to deal with nagging ailments. Herbs with a high tannin content turn out to be helpful, as they support the healing process of the gastric mucosa. Herbs with tannins have astringent, bactericidal and anti-inflammatory properties. People with stomach ulcers should choose: sorrel root, sage leaves, oak bark, St. John’s wort and yarrow.

We also recommend red czubryca, which has antibacterial properties and thus prevents stomach ailments.

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