A THEORY CONCERNING THE MANNER IN WHICH THE STOMACH EMPTIES ITSELF

Abstract

This theory is based upon certain observations made during the course of over 750 gastroscopic examinations. The muscular sphincter antri contracts forcibly dividing the stomach into 2 distinct compartments, the division being at the inscisura angularis. As this occurs there is an increase in tone of the walls of the antrum. This increases the hydrostatic pressure of the antral contents forcing them through the pyloris, which is open under considerable pressure. The usual peristaltic wave then passes over the antrum and when it reaches the pylorus and blends with it, the pylorus closes and remains so for only about 1 sec. The first portion of the duodenum exhibits increased tone except during this cycle when the tone decreases. This cycle takes place only occasionally depending upon whether the duodenum is ready to receive stomach contents.