Final answer:
The stomach releases chyme through the pyloric sphincter into the duodenum, where it is regulated to ensure optimal digestion without overwhelming the small intestine's capacity.
Step-by-step explanation:
The stomach releases the chyme through the pyloric sphincter/valve, which opens into the small intestine and then closes behind the chyme. During digestion, the stomach acts both mechanically and chemically on the food. Solid food items are broken down into a semi-liquid substance called chyme. As the food is converted into chyme, it is stored in the pylorus, which acts as a filter to let only liquids and small food particles pass through the partially closed pyloric sphincter via a process called gastric emptying. This process ensures a regulated release of chyme into the duodenum so as not to overwhelm the small intestine. Only about 3 mL of chyme is allowed through the sphincter at a time, and the rest is pushed back to continue mixing in the body of the stomach.