In the [8086](https://www.ampheo.com/search/8086) [microprocessor](https://www.ampheo.com/c/microprocessors), the stack is a special region of memory used for temporary storage of data, addresses, and status information, especially during subroutine calls, interrupts, and context switching.

**What Is the Stack in 8086?**
The stack operates on the LIFO (Last In, First Out) principle — the last item pushed onto the stack is the first to be popped off.

**Structure of the Stack in 8086**
* Segment Register: SS (Stack Segment)
* Offset Register: SP (Stack Pointer)
* Effective Address: SS:SP

The physical address of the stack top = SS × 16 + SP

**How the Stack Works**
**PUSH instruction**

* Decreases SP by 2 (8086 is a 16-bit processor).
* Stores a 16-bit value at SS:SP.

**POP instruction**

* Retrieves the value from SS:SP.
* Increases SP by 2.

**CALL instruction**

* PUSHes the return address onto the stack.
* Jumps to the subroutine.

**RET instruction**

* POPs the return address from the stack.
* Jumps back to that location.

**Example: PUSH and POP**

asm

MOV AX, 1234h
PUSH AX        ; AX is saved on the stack
; ... some code
POP BX         ; BX = 1234h

**Important Notes**
* Stack grows downward in memory (SP decreases as data is pushed).
* It must be initialized properly using:

asm

MOV SS, 7000h
MOV SP, 0FFF0h

* Stack overflows if SP moves below the reserved stack area — may corrupt program data.

**Common Uses of the Stack**