The stomach stores and mechanically breaks down food. In addition, the stomach also ________.

A) is the first site where absorption takes place
B) is the first site where chemical digestion of starch takes place
C) is the place where fats are digested
D) initiates protein digestion

The stomach initiates protein digestion through the secretion of pepsinogen, which is then activated to pepsin by hydrochloric acid. The other options are not accurate. Absorption begins in the small intestine, not the stomach. Starch digestion begins in the mouth with amylase and is completed in the small intestine. Fat digestion primarily occurs in the small intestine with the help of bile from the liver and enzymes from the pancreas.