Gastric rugae are the folds of mucosa and submucosa that line the inside of the stomach. They are most obvious when the stomach is empty and flatten out as it fills, allowing it to expand without much rise in pressure. Along the lesser curvature they tend to run lengthwise, forming a channel (the gastric canal) for liquids.
| Location | Inner surface of the stomach, most prominent in the body and along the greater curvature |
|---|---|
| Parts |
|
| Nerve Supply | Anterior and posterior vagal trunks (parasympathetic); Coeliac plexus, from greater splanchnic nerves T6-T9 (sympathetic) |
| Blood Supply | Left gastric artery; Right gastric artery; Right gastro-omental artery; Left gastro-omental artery; Short gastric arteries |
Increase the stretch capacity of the stomach so it can accommodate a meal and help guide liquids along the lesser curvature.
Rugae are assessed at endoscopy and on barium studies. Abnormally thick folds suggest conditions such as Menetrier disease, gastrinoma (Zollinger-Ellison syndrome), lymphoma or infiltrating cancer, while loss of folds suggests atrophic gastritis.
Rare acquired condition with giant gastric folds, excess mucus and protein loss from the stomach, causing low albumin and oedema.
Gastrin-secreting tumour causing thickened rugae, very high acid output and multiple or unusual peptic ulcers.
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