The cardiac stomach, specifically the cardia, serves as the entry point for food and liquids into the stomach from the esophagus. It essentially functions as the stomach's gateway.
The role can be further described below:
- Entry Point: The cardia is the section of the stomach immediately adjacent to the esophagus, facilitating the passage of ingested material.
- Valve Function: According to the provided reference, a valve near the cardia helps to prevent stomach contents from refluxing or backing up into the esophagus. This is crucial for preventing heartburn and other complications.
Therefore, the cardiac stomach's main functions are to receive food from the esophagus and help prevent backflow.
