Body of stomach

Body of Stomach

The Body of Stomach is the main, central region of the stomach, lying between the fundus and the pyloric antrum. It is one of the four major regions of the stomach, the others being the cardia, fundus, and pylorus. The body of the stomach is where the majority of gastric digestion occurs.

Anatomy

The body of the stomach is the largest part of the stomach. It starts from the level of the cardiac orifice (the opening from the stomach into the esophagus) and extends to the beginning of the pyloric antrum. The body of the stomach is located in the upper left quadrant of the abdomen, just below the diaphragm.

The body of the stomach is characterized by its gastric folds, or rugae, which allow for the expansion and contraction of the stomach during the process of digestion. The inner surface of the stomach body is lined with gastric mucosa, which contains gastric glands that produce gastric juice.

Function

The primary function of the body of the stomach is to aid in digestion. The gastric glands in the body of the stomach produce gastric juice, which contains hydrochloric acid and digestive enzymes that break down food. The rugae in the body of the stomach allow it to expand as food enters, and contract as it is digested and moved into the small intestine.

Clinical Significance

Various medical conditions can affect the body of the stomach. These include gastritis, which is inflammation of the gastric mucosa; peptic ulcers, which are sores that develop on the lining of the stomach; and stomach cancer, which often begins in the cells lining the body of the stomach.

See Also

• Stomach
• Digestive system
• Gastric juice
• Gastric glands