| Antrum | The lower portion of the stomach that grinds food and regulates emptying of the stomach contents into the duodenum. |
| Body of Stomach | The main, central section of the stomach where the majority of digestion occurs. |
| Cardia | The section of the stomach where the esophagus connects to the stomach. |
| Circular Muscle | Muscle fibers in the stomach wall that are oriented circumferentially and aid in digestion. |
| Duodenum | The first part of the small intestine immediately beyond the stomach. |
| Esophagus | The tube that connects the throat to the stomach, allowing food and liquids to enter the digestive system. |
| Fundus | The upper part of the stomach that serves as a storage area for food and gases. |
| Gastric Folds | Ridges on the internal stomach lining that allow for expansion as the stomach fills. |
| Gastric Glands | Glands located within the lining of the stomach that secrete stomach acid and enzymes for digestion. |
| Gastric Pit | Indentations in the stomach lining that lead into the gastric glands. |
| Greater Curvature | The convex lateral surface of the stomach. |
| Inferior Vena Cava | One of the two main veins in the human body, carrying deoxygenated blood from the lower half of the body to the heart. |
| Lesser Curvature | The concave medial surface of the stomach. |
| Longitudinal Muscle | The outer layer of stomach muscles that run lengthwise. |
| Mucosa | The innermost layer of the stomach lining that contains the gastric glands. |
| Mucous Cells | Cells that produce mucus to protect the lining of the stomach. |
| Myenteric Nerve Plexus | Network of nerves located between the layers of the muscularis, controlling gut motility. |
| Oblique Muscle | The innermost layer of stomach muscles that aid in the mechanical digestion of food. |
| Pyloric Canal | The passage connecting the stomach to the duodenum. |
| Pyloric Sphincter | A band of smooth muscle at the junction between the stomach and the duodenum. |
| Serosa | The outermost layer of the stomach wall that secretes serous fluid. |
| Splenic Vein | A vein draining blood from the spleen and parts of the stomach to the portal vein. |
| Submucosa | The layer of the stomach wall just outside the mucosa that contains nerves and blood vessels. |
| Submucosal Nerve Plexus | Network of nerves within the submucosa that regulate digestive secretions and blood flow. |
| Villi | Finger-like projections in the small intestine that increase the surface area for absorption. |
