What organs are located above the stomach?

Update Date: 2024-05-28 Source: Network

There are many organs in our abdomen that control various bodily functions. The area above and close to the navel is where our intestines are located. Of course, there are also organs such as the stomach, pancreas, spleen, and others inside the abdomen. If we experience abdominal pain, it is important to identify the specific location to determine which organ may be causing the issue. Therefore, we should never ignore any abnormalities in our abdomen.

Main organs in the abdomen:

1. Stomach: The stomach is located in the upper left quadrant of the abdominal cavity, below the heart. Most of it is in the left hypochondrium, with a small portion in the upper abdomen. It connects to the lower end of the esophagus and the duodenal bulb. The connection between the esophagus and the stomach is called the cardia, and the connection between the stomach and the duodenal bulb is called the pylorus. The position of the stomach can vary greatly depending on factors such as body type, posture, and the fullness of the stomach.

2. Pancreas: The pancreas is located horizontally on the posterior abdominal wall at the level of the 1st to 2nd lumbar vertebrae. It is soft and grayish-red in color. The pancreatic duct runs within the pancreas, consistent with its long axis, from the tail to the head of the pancreas. Along its course, it receives many interlobular ducts and ultimately joins with the common bile duct to form the hepatopancreatic ampulla within the wall of the descending duodenum, opening into the duodenal major papilla.

3. Transverse colon: The transverse colon originates from the right colonic flexure and forms a descending arcuate bend to the left, turning downward at the splenic flexure to continue as the descending colon. The entire transverse colon is enclosed by the peritoneum and is attached to the posterior abdominal wall by the transverse mesocolon, allowing for a large degree of mobility.

The four main functions of the stomach:

Firstly, it serves as a storage organ for food. When eating, the muscles of the gastric fundus and body relax reflexively, while the pylorus remains closed. This allows food to temporarily stay in the stomach for digestion.

Secondly, it performs digestion and absorption. Through the contraction of the stomach and the secretion of gastric acid and pepsin, food is mechanically and chemically digested.

Thirdly, it secretes various substances such as gastric juice, gastrin, motilin, and somatostatin.

Lastly, it has a defensive function. The mucosal barrier and gastric acid of the stomach can prevent the invasion of pathogenic microorganisms and foreign bodies.