A female human stomach, when empty, is roughly 12 inches long and 6 inches wide at its broadest point, and it can expand to hold about 1 quart (approximately 1 liter) of food when full.
Here's a breakdown:
- Empty Stomach Size: Approximately 12 inches (30 cm) in length and 6 inches (15 cm) in width.
- Maximum Capacity: Around 1 quart (or 1 liter) of food.
It's important to note that the stomach is a flexible organ. After digesting a large meal, it returns to its normal, smaller size. The ability to expand is crucial for consuming varying amounts of food. While frequent overeating can lead to needing more food to feel full, the stomach itself doesn't permanently "stretch" in a significant way.