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It has been suggested that Pyloric antrum be merged into this article or section. () |
| Pylorus | |
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| Outline of stomach, showing its anatomical landmarks. | |
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| Interior of the stomach. (Pylorus labeled at center left.) | |
| Latin | valvula pylori |
| Gray's | subject #247 1164 |
| Dorlands/Elsevier | v_02/12844554 |
The pylorus (from Greek πυλωρος = "gate guard") is the region of the stomach that connects to the duodenum. It is divided in two parts:
- the pyloric antrum, which connects to the body of the stomach.
- the pyloric canal, which connects to the duodenum.
The pyloric sphincter, or valve, is a strong ring of smooth muscle at the end of the pyloric canal and lets food pass from the stomach to the duodenum. It receives sympathetic innervation from celiac ganglion.
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Medical significance
One medical condition associated with the pylorus is pyloric stenosis. In such conditions as stomach cancer, when tumours may partly block the pyloric canal, a special tube can be implanted surgically to connect the stomach to the duodenum to assist food to pass from one to the other. This tube is called a pyloric stent.
In popular culture
In John Kennedy Toole's A Confederacy of Dunces, the protagonist complains frequently about his "valve", which opens or shuts according to stress levels.
Additional images
 The longitudinal and circular muscular fibers of the stomach, viewed from above and in front. |
 The oblique muscular fibers of the stomach, viewed from above and in front. |
References
External links
- SUNY Labs 37:06-0105 - "Abdominal Cavity: The Stomach"
- SUNY Labs 38:07-0102 - "Stomach, Spleen and Liver: The Pylorus"
- SUNY Anatomy Image 8150
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Wikipedia content modification information:
- This page was last modified on 6 June 2008, at 15:06.
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