Your stomach is where the food you eat is broken down into smaller pieces. This action is called digestion.
Stomach (gastric) juice is the term used to describe the chemicals that break down food in the stomach. These include hydrochloric acid and an enzyme called pepsin. Gastric juice is sometimes referred to as stomach acid, although not all of the substances in gastric juice are acidic.
| By | Healthwise Staff |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine |
| Specialist Medical Reviewer | Peter J. Kahrilas, MD - Gastroenterology |
| Last Revised | March 16, 2010 |
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