The pylorus is an essential part of the human stomach that helps regulate the flow of food from the stomach into the small intestine. Located at the lower end of the stomach, it acts as a gatekeeper, ensuring that the chyme (partially digested food) is released in a controlled manner for further digestion and absorption.

The pylorus consists of two main components: the pyloric sphincter and the pyloric antrum. The pyloric sphincter is a ring-like muscle that serves as a valve, opening and closing to control the passage of food. It is responsible for maintaining a suitable environment for the stomach’s digestive processes and preventing the entry of undigested food particles into the small intestine.

The pyloric antrum, on the other hand, is the wider part of the pylorus that connects to the body of the stomach. It acts as a reservoir for the chyme and aids in the mixing and grinding of food, further breaking it down into smaller particles for digestion. The antrum also secretes mucus, which protects the pyloric sphincter from the acidic environment of the stomach.

The regulation of the pylorus is a complex process involving several factors. One of the key factors is the hormone gastrin, released by the stomach in response to the presence of food. Gastrin stimulates the contraction of the pyloric antrum muscles, pushing the partially digested food towards the pyloric sphincter.

As the chyme accumulates in the antrum, it undergoes further mixing and grinding, allowing for a more thorough breakdown of food particles. This mechanical process is facilitated by the antral contractions and the coordinated movement of the muscles in the stomach wall.

Simultaneously, the presence of acidic chyme in the duodenum, the first segment of the small intestine, triggers the release of a hormone called secretin. Secretin acts on the pyloric sphincter, causing it to relax and allow the passage of chyme into the small intestine. This process ensures that the chyme moves in a controlled and gradual manner, allowing for proper digestion and absorption of nutrients.

However, certain medical conditions can affect the normal functioning of the pylorus. One such condition is pyloric stenosis, which commonly affects infants. Pyloric stenosis occurs when the muscles of the pylorus become abnormally thickened, leading to a narrowing or blocking of the pyloric opening. This condition results in symptoms such as projectile vomiting, dehydration, and poor weight gain. Pyloric stenosis usually requires surgical intervention to correct the obstruction and restore normal food passage.

In conclusion, the pylorus is an integral part of the stomach that plays a crucial role in regulating the flow of food into the small intestine. Comprising of the pyloric sphincter and the pyloric antrum, it ensures that the chyme is released in a controlled manner, allowing for efficient digestion and absorption. Understanding the function of the pylorus helps us appreciate the complexity of our digestive system and the importance of its proper functioning for overall health and well-being.

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