The stomach is an important organ in the digestive system. After food has been chewed in the mouth and swallowed, it enters the stomach via the oesophagus.
The stomach produces strong acid. This kills many harmful microorganisms that might have been swallowed along with the food.
It also contains special chemicals called enzymes. These are important for breaking down the food so it can be absorbed by the body.
After it leaves the stomach, the partially-digested food passes into the intestines where it begins to be absorbed.