Facts About Stomach

The stomach is the widest, hollow, muscular, expendable and important organ of the digestive system. It is a bean-shaped and sack-like structure which is located behind the lower ribs and between the esophagus and small intestine. The main function of the stomach is to secrete gastric juices, digests and store food molecules. On an average, the stomach can hold more than a quarter-gallon or half-pound of food.

We all are probably familiar with the structure and functions of the stomach. There are few amazing stomach facts, which we are not aware of. Here are some of them:

Interesting Facts about the Stomach

Fact – NO -1

A person can survive even after their stomach is removed by altering the diet and having frequent and smaller meals.

Fact – NO -2

Total Gastrectomy, it is the procedure in which the stomach of a patient is totally removed and esophagus has been attached directly to the small intestine.

Fact – NO -3

The size of our stomach is generally the same size, which is about 12 inches long and about 6 inches across.

Fact – NO -4

According to the Digestive Disease Center, the stomach is mainly responsible for absorbing necessary nutrients like vitamin B12, from the food we have eaten.

Fact – NO -5

The maximum time required to digest a normal meal ranges between five to seven hours or longer. Protein-rich and fatty foods take a longer time to digest compared to high-fiber foods.

Fact – NO -6

A few animals, including cows, giraffes, deer, cattle and other ruminants have four-chambered stomachs, which help them in digesting the plant-based food, which is the hardest diet compared to other diets.

Fact – NO -7

Some animals including carp, lungfishes, seahorses, and platypuses have no stomach. Their food goes directly into the intestine from the esophagus.

Fact – NO -8

Besides digestion, stomach also synthesizes hormones, which helps in stimulating appetite, secretion of digestive enzymes and gastric acid, and repeating discharging and contraction of the gallbladder.

Fact – NO -9

Our stomach produces a new layer of mucous for every two weeks and protects the stomach and other organs from being digested by the hydrochloric acid.

Fact – NO -10

Burping releases the air molecules which we have consumed along with food from the digestive tract through the mouth.

Fact – NO -11

The hydrochloric acid or the stomach acid is strong enough to dissolve most metals.

Fact – NO -12

Foods high in sugars, digests very quickly and making us feel more hunger, whereas foods high in fats and protein digest much slower and allows us to stay full for longer time.

Fact – NO -13

The hydrochloric acid or the digestive fluid, produced by the stomach cells plays an important role in destroying harmful microorganisms entering into the body along with food and drink.

Fact – NO -14

The stomach serves as the first line of defense for our immune system. The acid present in our stomach sterilize and kills off the bacteria and other toxins present in the food we have eaten.

Fact – NO -15

There is no connection between weight of a person and the stomach size. Both thin and obsessed person have the same stomach size.

These were a few interesting facts about the Stomach. For more facts and other additional information about the stomach and digestive system, check for the links given below.