Dated 5 June 2023
Annabell
Photo: WindyNight/stock.adobe.com
“It goes through my stomach” – sentences like this are all too common in HV and customers are looking for your advice. But what causes stomach problems? Our organ check refreshes your knowledge of the structure, functions and diseases of the stomach.
The stomach is tubular to sac-shaped and resembles the appearance of a cornucopia or fish hook. It is located in the upper left abdomen below the diaphragm between the spleen and liver. Unlike other organs, the stomach is initially hollow. It is only filled by eating food and drinks and is therefore particularly stretchy. Its size varies depending on the fill level, body position and age. The capacity also varies from person to person and can average between 1.6 and 2.4 liters.
At the upper end, the stomach is connected to the esophagus through the gastric orifice, at the lower end through the pylorus to the duodenum, in between are the base of the stomach and the body of the stomach. Inside, the organ is equipped with different layers:
- outermost layer as cover tissue (= peritoneum),
- thick muscle layer responsible for peristalsis,
- connective tissue layer,
- Gastric mucosa with gastric glands that secrete gastric juice, important digestive enzymes and neutral mucus to protect the organ internally.
Stomach as storage and transport medium
The stomach is part of the digestive tract. It has the lowest pH value in the entire human organism and helps kill bacteria. Its main task is to prepare the ingested food as the first port of call for digestion in the intestine. When food enters the stomach through the esophagus, it is broken up there and mixed with gastric juice, creating an acidic environment that kills pathogens. The enzymes secreted by the gastric mucosa also break down and pre-digest proteins from food.
The stomach is then responsible for onward transport to the small intestine. However, this takes place in small quantities, which is why the stomach also acts as an intermediate store for the ingested chyme. This remains in the stomach for about three hours on average. As a result, the body is constantly supplied with nutrients and the feeling of satiety is maintained. In addition, the stomach is responsible for the formation of the so-called “intrinsic factor”, which is required for the absorption of vitamin B12.
Fun fact: The stomach muscles are constantly in motion – regardless of whether food has just been eaten or not. This creates the well-known “growl” when the stomach is empty.
stomach diseases
The most common diseases of the stomach include:
- Gastrointestinal infections: If viruses or bacteria get into the stomach and are not killed, they can cause an infection, which manifests as diarrhea, vomiting, nausea and abdominal pain.
- Heartburn: The well-known acid regurgitation with a burning sensation occurs when the sphincter muscle between the mouth of the stomach and the esophagus does not close completely, causing stomach acid to rise up the esophagus. Various medicines, such as antacids, can provide relief.
- Inflammation of the stomach lining (gastritis): If the protective film of the gastric mucosa is damaged – for example by pathogens – it can be attacked and digested by the gastric acid. The result is painful inflammation, which usually requires antibiotics.
Caution: Medicines such as anti-inflammatory drugs can also attack the gastric mucosa. - stomach ulcers usually arise from untreated, chronic gastritis.
- gastric cancer: If the gastric mucosa is constantly irritated, the cells can degenerate, which in turn can lead to tumor formation. Other risk factors include smoking, alcohol, increasing age and infection with Helicobacter pylori.
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