Esophagus and Stomach

rugae

Deep folds in the gastric mucosa that expand to accommodate food.

peristalsis stal/o- contraction

Contractions of smooth muscle that propel a bolus of food, and then chyme, waste products, and water through the gastrointestinal tract.

esophagus esophag/o- esophagus

Flexible, muscular tube that moves food from the pharynx to the stomach.

lower esophageal sphincter (LES)

Muscular ring at the distal end of the esophagus. It keeps food in the stomach from going back into the esophagus.

pyloric sphincter pylor/o- pylorus

Muscular ring that keeps chyme in the stomach or opens to let chyme into the duodenum.

pylorus pylor/o- pylorus

Narrowing area of the stomach just before it joins the duodenum. It contains the pyloric sphincter.

stomach gastr/o- stomach

Organ of digestion between the esophagus and the small intestine. Areas of the stomach: cardia, fundus, body, and pylorus. The stomach secretes hydrochloric acid, pepsinogen, and gastrin. The stomach secretes intrinsic factor needed to absorb vitamin B12.

chyme

Partially digested food, saliva, and digestive enzymes in the stomach and small intestine.

fundus

Rounded, most superior part of the stomach.

cardia

Small area where the esophagus enters the stomach.