Pylorus (Noun)
Meaning
A small circular opening between the stomach and the duodenum.
Classification
Nouns denoting body parts.
Examples
- The pylorus is a muscular valve that regulates the flow of food from the stomach into the duodenum.
- In a pyloromyotomy, the surgeon makes a small incision in the pylorus to widen the opening and allow food to pass through more easily.
- The pylorus is normally closed, but it opens to allow partially digested food to enter the duodenum for further digestion.
- The pylorus is controlled by the enteric nervous system, which regulates the timing of its contractions and relaxations.
- Gastric outlet obstruction occurs when the pylorus is blocked, preventing food from passing from the stomach into the duodenum.