external surfaces

How many openings, curvatures, and surfaces does the stomach have?

The stomach has 2 openings,

2 curvatures,

and 2 surfaces.

Where is the cardiac orifice situated?

At the lower end of the esophagus,

projected posterior to the 7th left costal cartilage or at the level of the T11 vertebra.

What is the function of the cardia?

It has a sphincter function, though anatomically not demonstrable (manometric evidence).

What lies to the left of the cardiac orifice?

The cardiac notch (between the abdominal esophagus and gastric fundus).

Where is the pyloric orifice located in an empty stomach (supine position)?

At the level of the inferior border of the L1 vertebra.

What marks the surface position of the pyloric sphincter?

The prepyloric vein (of Mayo) lies in front of the sphincter.

The pylorus can be felt as a large, firm nodule.

Describe the lesser curvature of the stomach.

Situated to the right of the stomach,

concave,

and provides attachment for ligaments of the lesser omentum: hepatoesophageal, hepatogastric, and hepatoduodenal ligaments.

Describe the greater curvature of the stomach.

Represents the left border, convex in shape, and provides attachment for the

gastrocolic, gastrosplenic, and gastro-phrenic ligaments.

How is the anterior surface of the stomach oriented?

Faces forward and upward; has two parts
→ one corresponding to the thoracic wall,

the other to the abdominal wall.

What covers the thoracic part of the anterior surface of the stomach?

Covered by the diaphragm and related to the

5th–9th ribs and corresponding intercostal spaces.

What organ lies anterior to the stomach?

The left hepatic lobe.

What is the triangular space of Traube?

A space between the greater curvature and the left hepatic lobe where tympanic sound can be heard due to air in the fornix.

What are the boundaries of Traube’s space?

• Superior: convex line from 7th left costal cartilage to 5th left intercostal space (midclavicular line)

• Descends to 10th rib (anterior axillary line)

• Inferior limit: left costal margin between 7th and 10th ribs.

How is the abdominal part of the anterior surface divided?

• Medial part: covered by visceral surface of left lobe of liver.

• Lateral part: in contact with anterior abdominal wall, triangular (Labbe’s triangle).

What are the borders of Labbe’s triangle?

• Left border: left costal margin

• Right border: inferior edge of liver

• Inferior border: line uniting anterior extremities of left and right 10th ribs.

Which structures are in relation with the posterior surface of the stomach?

Body of pancreas,

splenic artery,

superior part of left kidney,

and left adrenal gland.

What lies inferior to the pancreas in relation to the stomach?

The transverse mesocolon.