Fundus

Fundus

Latin	Fundus
System	Digestive system

The fundus is the upper part of the stomach, lying above the horizontal level of the cardiac orifice. It is one of the main anatomical regions of the stomach, which also includes the body, antrum, and pylorus. The fundus is located opposite to the cardia and serves as a temporary storage area for ingested food.

Structure

The fundus of the stomach is situated to the left of the cardia and above the gastric body. It is typically filled with air, which is visible in an X-ray as a gas bubble. The position of the fundus allows it to act as a reservoir for undigested food before it is passed to the rest of the stomach. It is bounded on the left by the spleen and is covered by the left dome of the diaphragm, separating it from the heart and left lung.

Function

The primary function of the fundus is to store food and gas that enter the stomach. The elastic nature of the gastric walls allows for considerable expansion of the fundus. As the stomach fills, the fundus relaxes to accommodate the increasing volume of the stomach contents, a process controlled by the vagus nerve.

Clinical Significance

The fundus of the stomach can be involved in various medical conditions:

• Gastric volvulus - a rare condition where the stomach twists on itself.
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) - where the contents of the stomach, including the fundus, can reflux back into the esophagus.
• Stomach cancer - can originate from the cells lining the fundus.

Additional Images

• Diagram of the stomach, showing the location of the fundus.

See Also

• Stomach
• Digestive system
• Gastric acid