Pylorus

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Pylorus
Interior of the stomach.
Outline of stomach, showing its anatomical landmarks.
Latin	valvula pylori
Gray's	subject #247 1164
Dorlands/Elsevier	v_02/12844554

The pylorus (from Greek pylorus; pyl- = gate, -orus = 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.

[edit] 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.

[edit] Cultural significance

• In A Confederacy of Dunces, by John Kennedy Toole, Ignatius J. Reilly, the main character, is obsessed with his temperamental pyloric valve.

[edit] 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.

[edit] See also

• Lower esophageal sphincter

[edit] Reference

• Stedman's Online Medical Dictionary, 27th Edition

[edit] 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