What types of foods are digested in the stomach?

The stomach is a J-shaped organ that plays a vital role in the digestive process. It primarily digests proteins and partially breaks down carbohydrates and fats. Here are the main types of foods that are digested in the stomach:

1. Proteins: The stomach is responsible for the digestion of proteins. It secretes hydrochloric acid and the enzyme pepsin, which begins the process of breaking down proteins into smaller peptide fragments.

2. Carbohydrates: The stomach begins the digestion of carbohydrates, although most carbohydrate digestion occurs in the small intestine. The enzyme salivary amylase, which is produced in the mouth, continues to break down carbohydrates in the stomach before it enters the small intestine.

3. Fats: The stomach partially breaks down fats. It secretes a hormone called gastrin, which stimulates the gallbladder to release bile. Bile helps to emulsify fats, which means it breaks them down into smaller droplets so they can be more easily broken down by enzymes in the small intestine.

4. Liquids: The stomach temporarily stores liquids and mixes them with the digestive juices to form a semi-liquid mixture called chyme.

It's important to note that the stomach's primary function is to break down proteins, while the small intestine is responsible for the further digestion and absorption of most carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. The stomach prepares the food for further processing by creating a more acidic and enzyme-rich environment before it passes into the small intestine.