Gastric rugae (mucosa)

Plicae gastricae

DigestiveOrgansAbdomen

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What it is

Longitudinal folds of the gastric mucosa lining the inside of the stomach, most prominent along the greater curvature and in the body.

Function

Let the stomach expand as it fills and increase the surface of the acid- and enzyme-secreting gastric glands.

Size

Folds 3-5 mm high; they flatten out when the stomach is distended.

Clinical note

Along the lesser curvature the folds run straight toward the pylorus (the "gastric canal"), channelling swallowed liquids quickly past the food mass.