Definition

1. Noun:
   • The opening from the esophagus into the stomach: The cardia is the anatomical term for the orifice or opening where the esophagus connects to the stomach.
   • The upper part of the stomach surrounding this opening: The cardia also refers to the region of the stomach immediately adjacent to this esophageal opening.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The endoscope was advanced through the esophagus and into the cardia of the stomach.
  • A common site for inflammation is the gastric cardia.
  • The valve at the cardia helps prevent stomach acid from flowing back into the esophagus.

Advanced Usage

• "Cardia of the stomach": A precise anatomical phrase specifying the location.
  • The biopsy was taken from the cardia of the stomach to check for metaplastic changes.

Variants and Related Words

• Cardiac (adj): Pertaining to the cardia or, more commonly, to the heart. (Note: In anatomy, "cardiac" can specifically refer to the part of the stomach near the esophagus, e.g., "the cardiac orifice").

  • The cardiac region of the stomach is lined with specific types of mucosal cells.

• Gastroesophageal junction: A related anatomical term for the area where the esophagus meets the stomach, encompassing the cardia.

Synonyms

• Gastric orifice: The opening of the stomach.
• Esophagogastric junction: The junction between the esophagus and the stomach.

Related Terms (Not Phrasal Verbs)

• Achalasia cardia: A medical condition characterized by the failure of the lower esophageal sphincter (at the cardia) to relax properly.

  • The patient was diagnosed with achalasia cardia, causing difficulty swallowing.

• Cardiectomy: A surgical procedure involving the removal of the cardia region of the stomach.

Noun

1. the opening into the stomach and that part of the stomach connected to the esophagus