Stomach and duodenum
The stomach and duodenum are part of the upper gastrointestinal tract. The stomach connects the oesophagus to the duodenum, which is the first part of the small intestine.
The lower oesophageal sphincter is a ring of smooth muscle that controls the entry of food from the oesophagus into the stomach. Once food has passed into the stomach the sphincter closes to prevent the acidic stomach contents from coming back up. In people who have gastrooesophageal reflux it may be faulty.
The pyloric sphincter is also a ring of smooth muscle and it controls the exit of food from the stomach into the duodenum.
Last Reviewed: 26 February 2009
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