The gastric folds (or gastric rugae) are coiled sections of tissue that exist in the mucosal and submucosal layers of the stomach.[1] They provide elasticity by allowing the stomach to expand when a bolus enters it. These folds stretch outward through the action of mechanoreceptors, which respond to the increase in pressure.[2] This allows the stomach to expand, therefore increasing the volume of the stomach without increasing pressure.[2] They also provide the stomach with an increased surface area for nutrient absorption during digestion.[2] Gastric folds may be seen during esophagogastroduodenoscopy or in radiological studies.[3][4
Clinical significance[edit]
Thickening of the gastric folds may be observed by endoscopy or radiography and may aid in the differential diagnosis of many disease processes including:[3]
The folds become very thick due to inflammation.[7]
Ulcers cause breaks in the mucosa and cause erosion of the sub-mucosa.
Gastrin levels increase due to tumors, which cause an increase in the gastric fold size.[7]
The mucosa pits are in excess causing thickening of the folds.[7]
Helicobacter pylori infection
Causes inflammation of the folds.
Mucosa change shape causing rugae enlargement.[9]
Causes thickening of the folds.