Body and pyloric antrum

Overview

The body forms most of the central stomach and continues distally into the pyloric part. Its glands, like those of the fundus, contain the main populations of acid- and pepsinogen-secreting cells. The antrum combines forceful mixing with endocrine signaling, including gastrin release, before contents approach the pylorus.

Reference facts

Location

The body lies between the fundus and pyloric region; the angular incisure on the lesser curvature helps identify the distal transition.

Parts

Body, broad pyloric antrum and narrower pyloric canal; mucosal folds change as the stomach fills.

Blood supply

Gastric arteries along the lesser curvature and gastro-omental arteries along the greater curvature supply communicating branches.

Innervation

Gastric vagal branches and celiac sympathetic fibers; the nerves of Latarjet travel along the lesser curvature and give distal antral branches.

Venous/Lymphatic drainage

Veins reach the portal system directly or through superior mesenteric/splenic tributaries; lymph passes through regional gastric and pyloric groups toward celiac nodes.

Relations

The lesser sac separates much of the posterior stomach from the pancreas; the transverse colon is inferior and the liver overlaps the anterior distal region.

Function

Body glands contribute acid, intrinsic factor and pepsinogen; antral contractions grind food and antral endocrine cells help regulate gastric secretion.

Frequently asked questions