What 3 important jobs does the stomach have when digesting food?

1. Mechanical digestion: The stomach muscles contract and relax to churn the food, breaking it down into smaller pieces. This process is aided by the hydrochloric acid in the stomach, which helps to break down proteins.

2. Chemical digestion: The stomach also produces enzymes that help to break down carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. These enzymes include pepsin, which breaks down proteins; trypsin, which breaks down proteins and fats; and lipase, which breaks down fats.

3. Absorption: The stomach also absorbs some nutrients, including water, electrolytes, and some vitamins. These nutrients are then transported to the bloodstream.