Pyloric orifice - Digestive system - Stomach - e-Anatomy
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Pyloric orifice

Ostium pyloricum

Definition

Antoine Micheau & Muhammad A. Javaid

The pyloric orifice is the opening within the pyloric sphincter, in the distal part of the pyloric canal. Being surrounded by the circular smooth muscle fibres of the pyloric sphincter, it regulates the passage of chyme from the stomach into the duodenum.

Clinical correlate

Pyloric stenosis causes narrowing of the pyloric orifice, leading to gastric outlet obstruction.

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References

  • Standring, S. (2015) Grays Anatomy: The Anatomical Basis of Clinical Practice. 41st edn. London: Churchill Livingstone Elsevier. Chapter 64, Abdominal oesophagus and stomach.

  • Chaudhry SR, Liman MNP, Omole AE, et al. Anatomy, Abdomen and Pelvis: Stomach. [Updated 2024 Jul 17]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2026 Jan. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482334/

  • Sharma RP, Nathani RR. Gastric Ulcer. [Updated 2026 May 20]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2026 Jan. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK537128/

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