Stomach duodenum normal anatomy, function and congenital anomalies

Abstract

Separated only by the pyloric muscle, the stomach and the duodenum are next-door neighbors of the GI tract. The differences between the two are more striking than the similarities. The stomach is the widest part of the GI tract. Its mucosa secretes more substances than is the case with any other hollow viscus, and the specialized peristaltic activity, working against the restricting action of the pyloric muscle, ensures prolonged and proper digestion of ingested food. Regarding its tube-like construction and functional conduction capabilities, the duodenum is truly a part of the small bowel. Unlike the stomach and the rest of the small bowel, however, the duodenum is a secondary retroperitoneal organ and, therefore, much more sessile than adjacent parts of the digestive tract. A unique feature of the duodenum is the reception of bile and exocrine pancreatic enzymes through the orifices of the major and minor papillae.