Organ
Cardia of the stomach
Mucosal entry region around the gastroesophageal junction
High-yield
The Z line is the visible squamous-to-columnar epithelial junction. Its position alone does not establish Barrett esophagus, which requires the appropriate endoscopic and tissue findings.
Overview
The cardia is the small gastric region surrounding the esophageal opening. It sits below the diaphragm, with mucus-producing glands protecting the local mucosa. The gastroesophageal junction, the mucosal Z line and the diaphragmatic hiatus describe related but distinct landmarks.
Reference facts
- Location
- Around the esophageal entry into the stomach, usually near T11 and just left of the midline below the hiatus.
- Parts
- Cardiac opening and surrounding mucosal region; the cardiac notch separates the entering esophagus from the fundus externally.
- Blood supply
- Branches of the left gastric artery, supplemented by nearby inferior phrenic contributions.
- Innervation
- Vagal and sympathetic fibers reaching the stomach through gastric branches and the celiac plexus.
- Venous/Lymphatic drainage
- Left gastric and esophageal venous channels link portal and systemic territories; regional lymph drains chiefly toward left gastric and celiac nodes.
- Relations
- The left hepatic lobe is anterior and the crural diaphragm is posterior to the junctional region.
- Function
- Receives swallowed material and contributes mucus to protection of the gastroesophageal interface.
Clinical correlation
Chronic reflux is associated with replacement of distal esophageal squamous lining by metaplastic columnar tissue. Barrett esophagus increases adenocarcinoma risk, although most affected people do not develop that cancer.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the cardia of the stomach located?
The cardia of the stomach lies around the esophageal entry into the stomach, usually near T11 and just left of the midline below the hiatus.
What does the cardia of the stomach do?
Receives swallowed material and contributes mucus to protection of the gastroesophageal interface.
What are the parts of the cardia of the stomach?
Cardiac opening and surrounding mucosal region; the cardiac notch separates the entering esophagus from the fundus externally.
What is the blood supply of the cardia of the stomach?
Branches of the left gastric artery, supplemented by nearby inferior phrenic contributions.