Diagram  of the Stomach Lining

The Stomach

Most of the digestive system in simple terms are sacs or bags connected by pipes and tubes.

The Stomach environment is very acidic.  This acid environment kills germs and reduces foreign substances making it  an incredibly important part of our immune system.

The muscles of the stomach are strong and churn the food.

The mucosal layer excretes mucous which protects the stomach lining from burning due to the very acidic environment.

The sub mucosa is fibrous connective tissue that  separates the mucosa from the muscular layer.

Stomach Lining

The stomach lining is one of the most interesting anatomical parts of our bodies.  The  purposes of the stomach are to break down food and sterilize potentially harmful microbes and substances.

Many hormones are produced, the main one being Gastrin which breaks down proteins..

Other hormones are Chiolecystokinin, Secretin, Gastric Inhibitory Peptide, and Enteroglucagen.

Gastric Acid is produced in the stomach lining.

Overview of the Stomach Lining

The churning sac mixes and tries to break down food like a washing machine. 

In the highly acidic environment, almost nothing can survive.  This protects us from germs and disease causing substances.

Due to the dangerous  qualities of the acid environment, the stomach needs to produce and coat itself with mucous for protection.  if not

The acid would eat through the lining  and kill us, or at least give us sores and ulcers.

Our bodies add enzymes to the acidic mix which are stimulated by hormones.

Medicines and  the Stomach Lining

Most medicines that treat ulcers and gastritis are made to act on the stomach lining.  You can read about these at Medications for Bowel Diseases and the Stomach Lining