The stomach is a J-shaped organ located in the upper abdomen, between the esophagus and

the small intestine. It plays a crucial role in digestion by mixing food with gastric juices and
breaking it down into smaller particles. Here's an overview of its anatomy:
Location:
○ The stomach is situated in the left upper quadrant of the abdomen, beneath the
diaphragm and adjacent to the liver and spleen.
○ It lies between the esophagus superiorly and the duodenum of the small
intestine inferiorly.
External Anatomy:
◆ The stomach has four main regions:
◆ Cardia: The proximal portion of the stomach near the gastroesophageal
junction.
◆ Fundus: The rounded, superior portion of the stomach that lies above the
level of the cardia.
◆ Body: The central and largest part of the stomach, where most gastric
glands are located.
◆ Pylorus: The distal portion of the stomach that connects to the duodenum.
It consists of the pyloric antrum and pyloric canal.
○ The lesser curvature of the stomach is concave and faces to the right, while the
greater curvature is convex and faces to the left.
○ The gastroesophageal junction is the transition between the esophagus and the
stomach, where the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) regulates the passage of
food into the stomach.
Internal Anatomy:
◆ The stomach wall consists of four layers:
◆ Mucosa: Innermost layer lined with simple columnar epithelium. It contains
gastric glands that secrete gastric juice, including hydrochloric acid and
digestive enzymes.
◆ Submucosa: Connective tissue layer containing blood vessels, lymphatics,
and nerve fibers.
◆ Muscularis: Smooth muscle layer responsible for gastric motility. It
consists of three layers: an inner oblique layer, a middle circular layer, and
an outer longitudinal layer.
◆ Serosa: Outermost layer of the stomach wall, consisting of connective
tissue and a serous membrane called the visceral peritoneum.
Duodenum:
○ The duodenum is the first part of the small intestine, extending from the pylorus
of the stomach to the jejunum.
○ It is approximately 25-30 centimeters (10-12 inches) long and consists of four
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parts: the superior, descending, horizontal, and ascending duodenum.
○ The duodenum receives partially digested food (chyme) from the stomach and
mixes it with digestive enzymes from the pancreas and bile from the liver (via the
common bile duct).
○ It plays a crucial role in the digestion and absorption of nutrients, including
carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals.
Jejunum:
○ The jejunum is the middle portion of the small intestine, located between the
duodenum and the ileum.
○ It is approximately 2.5 meters (8.2 feet) long and is characterized by its
numerous, long, and highly vascularized circular folds called plicae circulares.
○ The jejunum is involved primarily in the absorption of nutrients, particularly
carbohydrates and proteins, as well as water and electrolytes.
○ It has a rich blood supply and a thick muscular wall, which facilitates the
movement of chyme and enhances nutrient absorption.
Blood Supply:
○ Arterial blood supply to the stomach is primarily through the celiac artery, which
branches into the left gastric artery, right gastric artery, and short gastric
arteries.
○ Venous drainage is via the corresponding veins, which ultimately drain into the
hepatic portal vein.
Nerve Supply:
○ The stomach receives innervation from the vagus nerve (cranial nerve X), which
provides both parasympathetic and sensory fibers.
○ Parasympathetic stimulation increases gastric motility and secretion, while
sensory fibers transmit sensations such as fullness and discomfort.