Which of the following processes does not occur in the stomach?

• A. Secretion of gastric acid
• B. Absorption of nutrients
• C. Mechanical breakdown of food
• D. Protein digestion

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the primary functions of the stomach: The stomach is mainly responsible for the mechanical breakdown of food, secretion of gastric acid, and the initiation of protein digestion.
2. Identify the processes that occur in the stomach: Gastric acid secretion helps in breaking down food and activating enzymes like pepsin for protein digestion. The stomach also churns food to aid in mechanical breakdown.
3. Recognize the process of nutrient absorption: Nutrient absorption primarily occurs in the small intestine, not in the stomach. The stomach's environment is too acidic and its lining is not structured for absorption.
4. Compare the listed processes with the stomach's functions: Secretion of gastric acid, mechanical breakdown of food, and protein digestion are all functions of the stomach.
5. Conclude which process does not occur in the stomach: Since nutrient absorption is not a function of the stomach, it is the process that does not occur there.