Rugae

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Rugae are a series of ridges produced by folding of the wall of an organ. Most commonly, the term is applied to the internal surface of the stomach (gastric rugae) and the vagina (vaginal rugae). These folds allow for the expansion of these organs when necessary.

Gastric Rugae

Gastric rugae are the folds in the lining of the stomach. They are most prominent when the stomach is empty and allow the stomach to expand significantly when food is ingested. The rugae flatten out as the stomach fills, increasing its volume without increasing pressure. This is essential for the stomach's function in the digestive system, as it allows for the storage and mechanical breakdown of food.

Vaginal Rugae

Vaginal rugae are the ridges in the lining of the vagina. These folds allow the vagina to expand during sexual intercourse and childbirth. The presence of rugae increases the surface area of the vaginal lining, which is important for the accommodation of the penis during intercourse and the passage of a baby during childbirth.

Function

The primary function of rugae is to allow for the expansion of an organ. In the stomach, this is crucial for accommodating varying amounts of food and liquid. In the vagina, it is essential for sexual function and childbirth. The rugae also play a role in the mechanical breakdown of food in the stomach by providing a larger surface area for the action of digestive enzymes.

Clinical Significance

Changes in the appearance or function of rugae can be indicative of certain medical conditions. For example, the loss of gastric rugae can be a sign of atrophic gastritis, a condition that can lead to a decrease in stomach acid production and subsequent digestive issues. Similarly, changes in vaginal rugae can occur due to hormonal changes, aging, or certain medical conditions.

See Also

• Stomach
• Vagina
• Digestive system
• Sexual intercourse
• Childbirth
• Atrophic gastritis