What is one major function of the stomach?

The major function of the stomach primarily involves the mechanical breakdown of food. When food enters the stomach, it is subjected to strong muscular contractions that help mix the food with gastric juices. This process not only helps in physically breaking down the food into smaller particles but also prepares it for further digestion by enzymes and acids. The stomach's churning action transforms the food into a semi-liquid substance called chyme, which is crucial for the next stages of digestion in the intestines.

While other functions, like the secretion of digestive enzymes, also play a role in digestion, the primary emphasis of the stomach's role centers on this mechanical breakdown. Unlike absorption, which mainly occurs in the intestines, or the storage of bile, which is done by the gallbladder, the stomach's unique muscular structure and acidic environment are specifically designed to facilitate the initial stages of food processing.