Gastric

Gastric refers to anything related to the stomach, an organ in the digestive system. The term is derived from the Greek word "gaster," which means stomach. The stomach is a muscular organ located on the left side of the upper abdomen, and it plays a crucial role in digestion.

Anatomy of the Stomach

The stomach is divided into four sections: the cardia, fundus, body, and pylorus. The cardia is the upper part near the esophagus, the fundus is the dome-shaped part, the body is the main part, and the pylorus is the lower part that connects to the small intestine.

Functions of the Stomach

The stomach performs several functions in digestion. It secretes gastric juice, which contains hydrochloric acid and digestive enzymes, to break down food. The stomach also churns food into a semi-liquid substance called chyme, which is then passed into the small intestine for further digestion.

Gastric Disorders

There are several disorders that can affect the stomach, including gastritis, gastric ulcers, and gastric cancer. Gastritis is inflammation of the stomach lining, gastric ulcers are sores that develop on the stomach lining, and gastric cancer is a disease in which malignant cells form in the lining of the stomach.

Treatment of Gastric Disorders

Treatment of gastric disorders depends on the specific condition and its severity. Treatments may include lifestyle changes, medication, or in severe cases, surgery.

See Also

• Digestive system
• Gastritis
• Gastric ulcers
• Gastric cancer

References

Gastric Resources
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