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    Related Topics

    From Digestive System

    Caudate Lobe
    Lobe of liver near inferior vena cava.
    Ligamentum Venosum
    Remnant of ductus venosus in liver.
    Right Lobe
    Larger functional lobe of the liver.
    Hard Palate
    Bony anterior portion of the roof of the mouth.
    Pylorus
    Distal part of stomach leading to duodenum.
    Descending Colon
    Vertical segment of the colon on the left side.
    Sigmoid Colon
    S-shaped final segment of the colon.
    Parotid Glands
    Largest salivary glands located near the ear.
    Abdominal Cavity
    The abdominal cavity is the largest body cavity, housing vital digestive and excretory organs, lined by the peritoneum and essential for protection, metabolism, and organ movement.
    Oral Cavity
    Entry point of the digestive system; includes teeth, tongue, and salivary openings.
    Fundus
    Upper curved portion of the stomach.
    Epiploic Appendages
    Fat-filled pouches attached to colon.
    Internal Anal Sphincter
    Involuntary muscle around anal canal.
    Nasopharynx
    Superior region of pharynx behind the nasal cavity.
    Accessory Pancreatic Duct
    Secondary duct emptying into duodenum.
    Anal Canal
    Terminal part of the large intestine.
    Rugae of Stomach
    Internal folds allowing expansion of the stomach.
    Duodenum
    First portion of the small intestine.
    Lesser Omentum
    Connects stomach and liver.
    Ileum
    Final and longest portion of the small intestine.
    Duodenal Bulb
    Initial section of duodenum closest to the stomach.
    Tongue
    Muscular organ aiding in taste, speech, and food manipulation.
    Neck of Pancreas
    Short section between head and body.
    Tail of Pancreas
    Tapered end of pancreas near spleen.
    Abdomen
    The abdomen is the body region between the chest and pelvis housing vital digestive, metabolic, and excretory organs, protected by muscular and peritoneal layers.

    Stomach

    Reviewed by our medical team

    Muscular sac that begins digestion of protein.

    Overview

    The stomach is a muscular, hollow organ of the digestive system that plays a central role in the mechanical and chemical breakdown of ingested food. It serves as a reservoir where food is mixed with gastric secretions to form chyme, which is gradually released into the small intestine. It also acts as a barrier, immune organ, and endocrine gland, making it essential for both digestion and systemic regulation.

    Location

    The stomach is located in the upper left quadrant of the abdomen, extending into the epigastric and sometimes left hypochondriac regions. It:

    • Lies below the diaphragm, posterior to the left lobe of the liver

    • Is anterior to the pancreas and superior to the transverse colon

    • Varies in size and position depending on the volume of contents and body habitus

    Structure

    The stomach is divided into several anatomical regions:

    • Cardia: Area around the esophageal opening

    • Fundus: Dome-shaped superior portion, usually filled with gas

    • Body (corpus): The central, largest region responsible for most mixing and secretion

    • Pylorus: Divided into the antrum and pyloric canal, it regulates passage into the duodenum via the pyloric sphincter

    Its wall has four primary layers:

    • Mucosa: Contains gastric glands and rugae (folds)

    • Submucosa: Rich in blood vessels and lymphatics

    • Muscularis externa: Three muscle layers (oblique, circular, longitudinal) for powerful mixing

    • Serosa: Outer peritoneal covering

    Function

    The stomach performs several digestive and regulatory functions:

    • Storage: Temporarily holds ingested food and regulates its release into the small intestine

    • Mechanical digestion: Churns food into chyme using coordinated muscular contractions

    • Chemical digestion: Secretes gastric juices including hydrochloric acid (HCl), pepsinogen, and intrinsic factor

    • Intrinsic factor secretion: Necessary for vitamin B12 absorption in the ileum

    Physiological Role(s)

    The stomach supports multiple physiological processes:

    • Defense: Acidic environment kills ingested pathogens and denatures harmful proteins

    • Hormonal regulation: Produces hormones such as gastrin (stimulates acid production), ghrelin (stimulates appetite), and somatostatin (inhibits acid secretion)

    • Neural integration: Works with enteric and autonomic nervous systems for coordinated motility and secretion

    • Volume accommodation: Rugae allow the stomach to stretch and accommodate large meals without increasing internal pressure

    Clinical Significance

    The stomach is frequently involved in gastrointestinal diseases and is a critical focus in endoscopic and surgical procedures:

    • Gastritis: Inflammation of the stomach lining due to infections (e.g., H. pylori), alcohol, NSAIDs, or stress

    • Peptic ulcer disease (PUD): Erosions in the gastric or duodenal mucosa caused by acid and pepsin

    • Gastric cancer: Often asymptomatic in early stages; associated with chronic gastritis, H. pylori infection, and certain dietary factors

    • Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD): Incompetent lower esophageal sphincter allows acid to reflux into the esophagus

    • Gastroparesis: Delayed gastric emptying due to vagus nerve dysfunction, often seen in diabetes

    • Bariatric surgery: Procedures like sleeve gastrectomy or gastric bypass alter stomach anatomy for weight loss and metabolic improvement

    The stomach is evaluated through diagnostic tools such as endoscopy, barium studies, CT imaging, and gastric pH testing. Understanding its function and pathology is essential in gastroenterology and internal medicine.

    Did you know? The pancreas also produces insulin, which helps regulate blood sugar levels.