Logo

    Related Topics

    From Digestive System

    Falciform Ligament
    Connects liver to anterior abdominal wall.
    Cheeks
    Lateral walls of the oral cavity composed of muscle and fat.
    Caudate Lobe
    Lobe of liver near inferior vena cava.
    Palatine Tonsils
    Lymphatic tissues on either side of the oropharynx.
    Anus
    Opening through which feces are expelled.
    Internal Anal Sphincter
    Involuntary muscle around anal canal.
    Tongue
    Muscular organ aiding in taste, speech, and food manipulation.
    Anal Canal
    Terminal part of the large intestine.
    Esophagus
    Muscular tube conveying food from the pharynx to the stomach.
    Descending Colon
    Vertical segment of the colon on the left side.
    Right Lobe
    Larger functional lobe of the liver.
    Rugae of Stomach
    Internal folds allowing expansion of the stomach.
    Sigmoid Colon
    S-shaped final segment of the colon.
    Rectum
    Straight section of the colon leading to anus.
    Fundus
    Upper curved portion of the stomach.
    Common Bile Duct
    Conveys bile from liver and gallbladder to duodenum.
    Main Pancreatic Duct
    Primary duct draining pancreatic juices.
    Tail of Pancreas
    Tapered end of pancreas near spleen.
    Lingual Frenulum
    Fold of mucous membrane anchoring the tongue to the floor of the mouth.
    Peritoneum
    Serous membrane lining the abdominal cavity.
    Duodenum
    First portion of the small intestine.
    Duodenal Bulb
    Initial section of duodenum closest to the stomach.
    Jejunum
    Second portion of the small intestine.
    Haustra
    Pouch-like segments of colon.
    Pyloric Sphincter
    Regulates passage of chyme from stomach to duodenum.

    Body

    Reviewed by our medical team

    Main central region of the stomach.

    Overview

    The body of the stomach (also known as the corpus) is the largest central region of the stomach and plays a key role in mechanical digestion and the chemical breakdown of food. It lies between the fundus (superior portion) and the pyloric antrum (inferior portion), forming the major site of gastric secretion and food storage. It contributes significantly to mixing, enzymatic digestion, and preparing ingested food for passage into the small intestine.

    Location

    The body of the stomach is located in the upper left quadrant of the abdomen, primarily within the epigastric and left hypochondriac regions. Key positional relationships include:

    • Superiorly: Continuous with the fundus

    • Inferiorly: Leads into the pyloric antrum

    • Anteriorly: Related to the anterior abdominal wall, left lobe of the liver, and diaphragm

    • Posteriorly: Lies against the pancreas, left kidney, adrenal gland, and spleen (posterior stomach wall forms the anterior boundary of the lesser sac)

    Structure

    The stomach wall, including the body, is composed of four major layers:

    • Mucosa: Lined with simple columnar epithelium and numerous gastric glands that produce acid, pepsinogen, and mucus

    • Submucosa: Dense connective tissue with blood vessels, lymphatics, and nerves

    • Muscularis externa: Composed of three layers of smooth muscle (inner oblique, middle circular, outer longitudinal) enabling powerful mixing and churning

    • Serosa: A thin layer of visceral peritoneum covering the stomach

    The internal surface has visible folds called rugae, which flatten when the stomach fills.

    Function

    The body of the stomach performs several key digestive functions:

    • Secretion: Produces hydrochloric acid (HCl), pepsinogen, intrinsic factor, and mucus

    • Storage: Temporarily stores ingested food and regulates its delivery to the small intestine

    • Mechanical digestion: Muscular contractions mix food with gastric secretions to form chyme

    • Chemical digestion: Pepsin begins protein digestion; acid helps denature proteins and kill pathogens

    Physiological Role(s)

    The body of the stomach contributes to broader physiological roles, including:

    • Intrinsic factor production: Essential for vitamin B₁₂ absorption in the ileum

    • Acidic environment: Maintains a low pH (1.5–3.5), aiding enzyme activation and microbial defense

    • Gastric motility: Coordinates peristaltic waves that drive mixing and emptying

    • Endocrine regulation: Produces hormones like ghrelin (appetite stimulant) and gastrin (stimulates acid secretion)

    These functions are tightly regulated by the enteric nervous system, vagal innervation, and hormonal signals.

    Clinical Significance

    The body of the stomach is involved in various diseases and medical conditions:

    • Peptic Ulcer Disease: H. pylori infection or NSAID use can lead to mucosal erosion, especially in the corpus

    • Gastritis: Inflammation of the gastric mucosa can affect acid production and absorption functions

    • Adenocarcinoma: The most common form of stomach cancer, often originating in the body or antrum

    • Autoimmune Gastritis: Targets parietal cells in the body of the stomach, leading to decreased intrinsic factor and vitamin B₁₂ deficiency (pernicious anemia)

    • Gastrectomy Considerations: Partial or total removal of the stomach body affects digestion, absorption, and endocrine regulation

    • Diagnostic Imaging: The body can be visualized via endoscopy, barium swallow, or CT for ulcers, masses, and wall thickening

    Understanding the anatomy and physiology of the body of the stomach is critical for diagnosing and managing upper gastrointestinal diseases and performing surgical or endoscopic procedures.

    Did you know? Your digestive system is home to trillions of microbes that help break down food.