Where Is the Stomach Located in the Human Body?

Where Is the Stomach Located?

The stomach is located in the upper left part of the abdomen, just below the rib cage.

More specifically, the stomach:

• Sits on the left side of the upper abdomen
• Lies under the left ribs
• Is positioned above the intestines
• Sits below the diaphragm
• Lies next to the liver, which is on its right side

💡 Placing your hand just under your left rib cage brings you close to the stomach's actual position.

Why It Is Not Near the Belly Button

The stomach is not in the center of the abdomen. It sits higher than many people expect and is protected by the rib cage.

Because the belly button is easy to see while the stomach is hidden beneath ribs and muscles, people often associate general abdominal discomfort with the belly button area.

Does the Stomach Move?

The stomach is a flexible, muscular organ that changes position:

• When empty, it sits higher
• After eating, it expands and may shift slightly downward

🔄 This movement can make stomach discomfort feel less precisely located.

Stomach Pain vs. Intestinal Discomfort

Many symptoms described as "stomach pain" are actually caused by the intestines.

🌀 Gas, bowel movement activity, or colon contractions often occur near the belly button or lower abdomen, making pain in those areas less likely to come from the stomach itself.

Shape and Position

The stomach is shaped like a curved pouch:

• The upper end connects to the esophagus
• The lower end leads into the small intestine
• It tilts slightly toward the left side of the body

🧩 This explains why stomach-related discomfort is usually felt in the upper left abdomen.