Stomach

Stomach, the portion of the alimentary tract, the digestive tube, which extends from the lower end of the esophagus or gullet, the canal extending from the pharynx (throat) to the stomach, to the beginning of the duodenum or first part of the small intestine. The normal stomach is J-shaped with a bulge above and to the left of the junction with the esophagus. The shape varies according to its fullness or emptiness and the position of the person. The stomach is a greatly dilated portion of an otherwise narrow digestive tube. The cardiac sphincter guards the entrance to the stomach from the esophagus. The upper part of the stomach is generally spoken of as the cardiac portion and includes the fundus (base of an organ) and the body.

The stomach narrows to join the small intestine, forming the pyloric canal which has a thick muscular valve called the pyloric sphincter. Three muscular coats in the wall of the stomach are covered inside by a layer of mucus and a submucus lining containing blood vessels, lymphatics and nerves. The internal surface of the stomach contains the minute gastric glands which manufacture hydrochloric acid and certain ferments which digest food into simpler substances. The muscular walls grind and mix food with gastric juices. About every twenty seconds, a wave of contractions passes along the stomach from the upper part to the pylorus. During digestion, the contractions also cause partially digested food to pass into duodenum in the form of chyme, a thick fluid. The lining of the stomach contains about 35 million glands.

The gastric glands secrete hydrochloric acid and several enzymes. Renin, curdles milk. Lipase another enzyme splits certain fats, including those in cream and egg yoke. The hydrochloric acid combines with proteins to form a new chemical, which is then split by pepsin into smaller units. Pepsin also digests the milk curds formed by the renin. To protect he stomach from digesting itself small amounts of ammonia are secreted by the cells in the in the lining and this counteracts the effects of normal of HCL. HCL also activates pepsinogen which in turn activates pepsin. Insulin, secreted by the pancreas, is absorbed directly into the blood. Exposure to the digestive juice would destroy it.

The stomach lining is also a source of the intrinsic factor which is important for the oral utilization ob B-12. The enzymes of the stomach: pepsin, pepsinogen, gastricsin and gastric lipase combine in producing the chyme that is processed into the duodenum.

Various congenital deformities may affect the stomach, such as enlargement of the muscle of the pyloric valve. Gastroptosis or dropped stomach may occur later in life. Inflammation of the lining of the stomach is a common disorder, occurring in various forms and at anytime throughout life. Peptic ulcers are another common disorder, resulting from action of the gastric juices on the stomach wall. An increase in the amount or concentration of gastric juice causes acidity. Cigarette smoking particularly increase the acidity of the gastric juices. Ulcers may also be a source of disruption and discomfort. Ulcers of the stomach may be multiple and are more apt to be located on the back wall of the stomach. Chlorophyll in water soluble form, vitamin A and specific nucleo-proteins are most beneficial for relief. The G.I. (gastro intestinal) is frequently disturbed by ulcers, peptic ulcers, duodenum ulcers, colitis, spastic colitis and hyper acidity.

Freeze-dried duodenal substance, cabbage powder or fresh raw cabbage juice and raw stomach substance can prove to be helpful.

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This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

References: Medical and Health Encyclopedia volume 13 pages 1813-1815. Endocrines, Organs And Their Impact pages 87-90, Textbook of Physiology: by Zoethout Ph. D. &Tuttle Ph. D. Pg. 346-351, The Powerful Human Machine published by AMA Pg. 48-51, Metabolic and Endocrine Physiology . J. Tepperman, Yearbook Med. Publishers, Chicago, Il., Review of Physiological Chemistry, Harper, Rowell, Mayes, Lange Med. Publications, Los Angeles, CA, Stomach Ulcers, C. Wakeley, M.D. .Arco Publishing New York City, N.Y., Human Functional Anatomy, L.Schlossberg, Johns Hopkins University Press, Baltimore, MD.