Stomach

Question 1

Stomach - Location, Structure, Function

Answer 1

Location: Location varies with respiration, contents and posture. Generally sits in left upper quadrant, and between oesophagus and small intestine.
Structure: Expanded, pouch like, digestive organ. Generally the shape of the letter J. Divided into 4 parts and 2 curvatures.
Function: mechanical breakdown and propulsion of food. Digestion, converting food to chyme. Absorption of some fat-soluble substances such as alcohol and some drugs. Also a food reservoir and secretes and HCl and intrinsic factor.

Question 2

Stomach - Features

Answer 2

Cardia - cardiac notch
Fundus - corresponds to 5th intercostal space, and left dome of diaphragm
Body
Pyloric region - antrum, canal, sphincter
Lesser curvature - angular notch
Greater curvature

Question 3

Stomach - Histology

Answer 3

Mucosa - simple columnar epithelium
- Rugae (longitudinal ridges) 
- Dotted with gastric pits that lead into gastric glands
- Mucous cells
- Parietal cells
- Chief cells
- Enteroendocrine cells
Muscularis - additional oblique layer of smooth muscle