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

The primary function of the stomach in the digestive system is to store food and facilitate the digestion of protein. The stomach acts as a temporary storage organ, holding food after it is swallowed and mixing it with gastric juices. These gastric juices contain hydrochloric acid and digestive enzymes, particularly pepsin, which begin the breakdown of proteins into smaller peptides. This acidic environment not only aids in protein digestion but also serves to kill bacteria and create an optimal environment for enzyme activity.

While other options refer to important functions within the digestive system, they do not specifically highlight the unique role of the stomach. For instance, absorption of nutrients primarily occurs in the small intestine, while bile production takes place in the liver, and digestive enzyme secretion is not exclusive to the stomach but involves several organs, including the pancreas. Therefore, the focus on both storage and protein digestion accurately encapsulates the primary role of the stomach in digestion.