The cardia of the stomach connects with the esophagus.
Understanding the Connection
The esophagus, a muscular tube that carries food from the mouth to the stomach, doesn't directly connect to the entire stomach surface. Instead, it connects to a specific region called the cardia.
The Cardia: The Gateway to the Stomach
The cardia is the uppermost part of the stomach, situated just below the esophageal opening. It's a crucial area because it contains the gastroesophageal sphincter (also known as the lower esophageal sphincter). This sphincter acts like a valve, preventing stomach acid from flowing back up into the esophagus (reflux), which is a major cause of heartburn.
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Function of the Cardia: The cardia's primary role is controlled entry of food into the stomach. The sphincter's precise action ensures one-way passage.
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Clinical Significance: Issues with the cardia and the gastroesophageal sphincter can lead to conditions like gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
The pharynx also plays a role in this process; however, it connects the mouth to the esophagus, not directly to the stomach itself. As stated in the provided reference: "The mouth is connected to the stomach by the pharynx and esophagus." The pharynx's job is to receive food from the mouth and pass it along to the esophagus.
