Digestion in the Stomach

The stomach performs both mechanical and chemical digestion.

Functions of the Stomach

The muscular walls of the stomach churn food and mix it with gastric juice. Gastric juice contains hydrochloric acid and pepsin. This process converts food into a semi-liquid substance called chyme.

Role of Pepsin

Pepsin is a protein-digesting enzyme produced in the stomach. It breaks large protein molecules into smaller polypeptides and functions best in acidic conditions.