Chemical digestion occurs when the body uses enzymes to break down certain molecules, such as carbohydrates. This process allows the bloodstream to absorb smaller molecules to transport around the ...

This story is part of a series exploring human anatomy and physiology complexities. Each story in this collection showcases discoveries reshaping our understanding of the body's inner workings, ...

Many people finish a normal meal and suddenly notice something uncomfortable: the stomach feels tight, stretched, or ...

If you enjoyed this article, I’d like to ask for your support. Scientific American has served as an advocate for science and industry for 180 years, and right now may be the most critical moment in ...

The fundus is a dome-shaped part of the stomach that stores gas from digestion. It can also hold food if the stomach becomes full. The stomach is an important part of the digestive system. It stores ...

Bloating is generally blamed on heavy meals. But that is not always true. Many people feel full, tight, or gassy even after ...

Crohn's disease is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that can cause problems anywhere in your gastrointestinal (GI) tract. That's the system of organs, stretching from your mouth to your anus ...

Chemical digestion is one of the six main functions of your digestive system. This system consists of your digestive or gastrointestinal tract and accessory organs. During chemical digestion, your ...