The stomach performs mechanical digestion primarily through the process of muscular contractions called peristalsis. Peristalsis involves the rhythmic contraction and relaxation of the smooth muscles lining the walls of the stomach, which helps to break down food into smaller pieces and mix it with digestive juices.
When food enters the stomach, the muscles of the stomach walls contract and relax to churn and mix the food with gastric juices. This mechanical action helps to break down the food into smaller particles, increasing its surface area, and aiding in the absorption of nutrients. The muscular contractions also help to propel the food through the stomach and into the small intestine for further digestion.
In addition to peristalsis, the stomach also contains thick, muscular ridges called rugae. These rugae increase the surface area inside the stomach and help to further break down the food through mechanical means. The waves of contractions and rugae work together to thoroughly mix the food with gastric juices, creating a semi-liquid mixture called chyme.
Overall, the mechanical digestion in the stomach involves the rhythmic contractions of the muscles and the presence of rugae, which break down food into smaller particles, mix it with digestive juices, and aid in the breakdown and digestion of nutrients.
Both mechanical and chemical digestion occur in the stomach. Explain how this organ performs mechanical digestion
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