What is the primary function of the stomach in the digestive process?

The primary function of the stomach in the digestive process is to continue the mechanical and chemical digestion of food. The stomach serves as a muscular bag that further breaks down food through muscular contractions known as peristalsis, which mixes the food with gastric juices. These juices contain hydrochloric acid and digestive enzymes that aid in the chemical breakdown of proteins and prepare food for subsequent absorption in the intestines.

The stomach's role is crucial as it transforms ingested food into a semi-liquid mixture called chyme, which is then gradually released into the small intestine for further digestion and nutrient absorption. This process does not include nutrient absorption, which primarily occurs in the small intestine; nor is it involved in bile production, which takes place in the liver. Although the stomach indirectly impacts blood processing by breaking down food, its main function is focused on digestion rather than filtering blood directly. This makes continuing the mechanical and chemical digestion of food the correct answer and central to understanding the stomach’s purpose in the digestive system.