Gastric sleeve

Gastric Rugae

The Gastric Rugae are large folds in the stomach that allow it to expand and contract. These folds are made of mucous membrane and are found in the interior lining of the stomach. The primary function of the gastric rugae is to increase the stomach's surface area, allowing for greater absorption of nutrients.

Structure

The gastric rugae are not permanent structures. They appear when the stomach is empty and disappear when it is full. They are most prominent in the fundus and body of the stomach, but are also present in the antrum and pylorus. The rugae are oriented along the long axis of the stomach, running from the cardia to the pylorus.

Function

The primary function of the gastric rugae is to allow the stomach to expand and contract. This is necessary for the stomach to accommodate varying amounts of food. The rugae also increase the surface area of the stomach, allowing for greater absorption of nutrients.

In addition to their role in stomach expansion and nutrient absorption, the rugae also play a role in the mechanical breakdown of food. The churning action of the stomach muscles, combined with the rugae, helps to physically break down food into smaller particles.

Clinical significance

Changes in the appearance of the gastric rugae can be indicative of certain medical conditions. For example, gastritis, an inflammation of the stomach lining, can cause the rugae to become swollen and inflamed. In contrast, in conditions such as atrophic gastritis, the rugae may become flattened and less prominent.

Gastroscopy, a procedure in which a flexible tube with a camera is inserted through the mouth and into the stomach, can be used to visualize the gastric rugae and identify any abnormalities.

See also

• Stomach
• Gastritis
• Gastroscopy