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Stomach


content provided by Healthwise

Picture of the stomach and its location in the body

Your stomach is where the food you eat is broken down into smaller pieces. This action is called digestion.

Stomach (gastric) juice is the term used to describe the chemicals that break down food in the stomach. These include hydrochloric acid and an enzyme called pepsin. Gastric juice is sometimes referred to as stomach acid, although not all of the substances in gastric juice are acidic.


Last Updated: March 31, 2008
Medical Review:
Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine

Jerome B. Simon, MD, FRCPC, FACP - Gastroenterology


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This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information.

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