The Stomach

The stomach is a hollow organ in the upper abdomen, under the ribs.

It's part of the digestive system. Food moves from the mouth through the esophagus to the stomach. In the stomach, the food becomes liquid. Muscles in the stomach wall push the liquid into the small intestine.

The wall of the stomach has five layers:

• Inner layer or lining (mucosa): Juices made by glands in the inner layer help digest food. Most stomach cancers begin in this layer.
• Submucosa: This is the support tissue for the inner layer.
• Muscle layer: Muscles in this layer contract to mix and mash the food.
• Subserosa: This is the support tissue for the outer layer.
• Outer layer (serosa): The outer layer covers the stomach. It holds the stomach in place.

This picture shows the stomach and nearby organs.