Applied Anatomy: Stomach & Duodenum Gross Anatomy

Stomach Anatomy

• The antrum is the portion of the stomach extending from the incisura angularis to the pylorus.
• The pylorus functions as a physiological and anatomical sphincter in the stomach.
• The lesser curvature is located on the anterior surface of the stomach.
• The main central region of the stomach is called the body.

Stomach Features

• The fundus is formed by the upper curvature of the stomach and lies above the level of the gastro-esophageal junction.
• The incisura angularis is an anatomical notch that marks the junction between the body and the antrum of the stomach.

Stomach Attachments

• The lesser omentum attaches the lesser curvature to the liver.

Duodenum Anatomy

• The second part of the duodenum curves in a C-shape around the head of the pancreas.
• On a plain film, the gastric bubble is often visible in the upper left quadrant of the abdomen.
• The second and third parts of the duodenum are mostly covered by the peritoneum.

Duodenum Features

• The head of the pancreas is responsible for foreshortening the first part of the duodenum in an AP view.
• The third part of the duodenum passes to the left of the aorta after beginning at the inferior duodenal flexure.
• The pylorus is the part of the stomach that crosses the midline.

Duodenum Relations

• The superior mesenteric artery indents the third part of the duodenum.
• A barium meal is responsible for visualizing all parts and features of the stomach.