The stomach is a muscular organ which lies between the lower end of the gullet (oesophagus) and the beginning of the bowel (intestine)

Once food has been swallowed it passes down the gullet and into the stomach. Glands in the wall of the stomach secrete substances which help break down the food so that when it leaves the stomach it is in a semi-solid form

The stomach also produces a substance that helps to absorb vitamin B12. This is important for the development of red blood cells