Unique Properties of the Stomach: Beyond Digestion

Properties of the stomach that are not properties of the digestive system as a whole:

- Distensibility: The stomach is able to expand and contract to accommodate different amounts of food.

- Rumination: Some animals, such as cows and sheep, regurgitate and re-chew their food, a process known as rumination.

- Secretion of gastric juice: The stomach secretes gastric juice, which contains hydrochloric acid and pepsin, which break down food.

- Peristalsis: The stomach uses peristalsis, a series of involuntary muscle contractions, to mix and move food through the digestive tract.

- Absorption: The stomach does not absorb nutrients from food. Instead, it stores food and breaks it down into smaller particles for further digestion in the small intestine.