Lesser curvature of stomach

The lesser curvature of stomach is the short, concave border of the stomach that extends from the cardiac orifice to the pylorus. It forms the right upper border of the stomach and is considerably shorter than the greater curvature.

Incisura angularis

Near its lower end, the lesser curvature of stomach presents a distinct angular notch known as the incisura angularis (angular notch), which marks the junction between the body of the stomach and the pyloric part.

Lesser omentum

The lesser curvature of stomach is covered by visceral peritoneum (serosa) and provides attachment to the lesser omentum, a double-layered fold of peritoneum that extends from the lesser curvature of the stomach and the first part of the duodenum to the liver. The portion of the lesser omentum attached to the stomach is known as the hepatogastric ligament.

Vasculature and lymphatics

• The arterial supply of the lesser curvature is derived primarily from the left gastric artery, a branch of the coeliac trunk, and the right gastric artery, usually a branch of the proper hepatic artery. These vessels run along the lesser curvature between the layers of the lesser omentum and form an arterial anastomosis.

• Venous drainage follows the corresponding veins, with blood ultimately draining into the portal venous system.

• Lymphatic vessels from the lesser curvature drain mainly into the left and right gastric lymph nodes situated along the course of the gastric vessels. Efferent lymphatics then pass to the coeliac lymph nodes.

Clinical correlate

The lesser curvature of stomach is a common site for gastric ulcers. Because of its close relationship to the left and right gastric vessels, ulcers in this region may lead to significant haemorrhage.