Organ
Fundus of the stomach
Proximal gastric reservoir beneath the left diaphragm
High-yield
Short gastric vessels connect the fundal region to the splenic vascular territory. Increased pressure in the short gastric veins, rather than the arterial supply, helps explain fundal varices in splenic vein obstruction.
Overview
The fundus rises above the level of the esophageal opening and rests beneath the left diaphragmatic dome. It accommodates a meal through relaxation of the proximal stomach and commonly contains swallowed gas. Its mucosa shares the secretory gland pattern of the gastric body.
Reference facts
- Location
- Upper left stomach above a line through the cardia, closely related to the left hemidiaphragm.
- Parts
- Dome-shaped proximal region adjoining the body and separated externally from the esophagus by the cardiac notch.
- Blood supply
- Short gastric arteries and variable posterior gastric branches, with contributions from adjacent gastric/gastro-omental networks.
- Innervation
- Gastric vagal branches, including variable posterior fundal branches, with sympathetic input through celiac pathways.
- Venous/Lymphatic drainage
- Short gastric veins reach the splenic vein; lymph follows regional vessels toward pancreaticosplenic and celiac nodes.
- Relations
- Diaphragm superiorly and spleen laterally, with the esophageal junction and left hepatic region medially.
- Function
- Participates in accommodation of food and gas; oxyntic glands contribute acid, intrinsic factor and pepsinogen.
Clinical correlation
Posterior vagal branches can supply the fundus separately from the larger gastric branches. This variable innervation was relevant to incomplete acid reduction after historical vagotomy procedures.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the fundus of the stomach located?
The fundus of the stomach lies upper left stomach above a line through the cardia, closely related to the left hemidiaphragm.
What does the fundus of the stomach do?
Participates in accommodation of food and gas; oxyntic glands contribute acid, intrinsic factor and pepsinogen.
What are the parts of the fundus of the stomach?
The parts of the fundus of the stomach are the dome-shaped proximal region adjoining the body and separated externally from the esophagus by the cardiac notch.
What is the blood supply of the fundus of the stomach?
Short gastric arteries and variable posterior gastric branches, with contributions from adjacent gastric/gastro-omental networks.