In anatomy, the stomach (in ancient Greek στόμαχος) is an organ in the gastrointestinal tract used to digest food. In general, the stomach's primary function is not the absorption of nutrients from digested food; this task is usually performed by the intestine. In most animals, the main job of the stomach is to break down large fat molecules into smaller ones, so that they can be absorbed into the intestines more easily. Latin names for the stomach include Ventriculus and Gaster; thus, many medical terms related to the stomach start in "gastro-" or "gastric".
In humans, the stomach is a highly acidic environment - maintained at pH 1.5 - 2 by the secretion of hydrochloric acid(HCl) - with peptidase digestive enzymes, primarily pepsin. Pepsinogen is secreted by chief cells of the stomach and the acidic environment activates pepsinogen to form pepsin. In fact, the stomach's interior can secrete 2 to 3 litres of gastric fluid per day.

About.com: Stomach Cancer - General information oriented to treatment options, including links to related matters.
Meta Description: [ Stomach cancer is a disease affecting the stomach, an organ of the digestive system. It is sometime called gatric cancer. Articles and resources discuss causes, prevention, symptoms, treatment and prognosis of stomach cancer (gastric cancer). ]
CancerBACUP: Stomach Cancer - Online booklet from this UK organization covering such topics as symptoms, diagnosis and treatment.
Meta Description: [ Information about stomach cancer, including causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatments, side effects and further resources. ]
El Salvador Atlas of Gastrointestinal Video Endoscopy - Extensive collection together with case reports of gastric cancers.
eMedicine Health: Stomach Cancer - Consumer health resource providing information on causes, symptoms and treatment.
Meta Description: [ The stomach is a muscular bag with a capacity of about 1 liter or quart. It lies along the digestive tract between the esophagus and the small intestine. The stomach ... ]
Imperial Cancer Research Fund: Stomach Cancer - UK charity offers information including prevention, diagnosis and treatment. Also provides details on fundraising.
iVillageHealth: Treating Stomach Cancer - Gives treatment overview.
Meta Description: [ How are most patients with stomach cancer currently
treated? Are there any promising new drugs? ]
Johns Hopkins: Stomach Cancer - Introductory information about diagnosis and treatment options. Contact details given.
Meta Description: [ At the Kimmel Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins, the finest caregivers and most talented researchers come together each day to build upon our past successes and move us forward to the cures that await us. ]
MEDLINEplus: Stomach Cancer - Links about the condition from the U.S. National Library of Medicine.
Meta Description: [ Stomach Cancer ]
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Methodist Health Care System: Stomach Cancer - Summary information aimed at patients.
NCI: Stomach Cancer - Comprehensive information from this U.S. National Cancer Institute resource.
Meta Description: [ Information about stomach (gastric) cancer treatment, prevention, causes, screening, clinical trials, research and statistics from the National Cancer Institute. ]
NetDoctor: Stomach Cancer - General information from this UK resource.
Meta Description: [ Stomach cancer is the result of cell changes in the lining of the stomach. In Western Europe, stomach cancer is only about one third as common as it was 50 years ago. ]
University of Kansas: Stomach Cancer - Links to related resources.
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University of Michigan: Stomach Cancer - Overview of this subject with a substantial links section.
Meta Description: [ Stomach cancer, also called gastric cancer, is the growth of abnormal cells in the lining and wall of the stomach. It occurs mainly in men over 40 years of age. ]
Yahoo Health: Stomach Cancer - Information including basic facts, risks, prevention, diagnosis and treatment.
Your Cancer Risk: Stomach Cancer - Risk factors. Link to a related questionnaire.
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