A 64-year-old woman with arthritis is a chronic NSAID user. She develops severe epigastric pain and undergoes an upper endoscopy. She is told that she has an ulcer adjacent to the pylorus. Which of the following is TRUE about the pylorus?
The pylorus is palpable but it is not a true physiologic sphincter. It does not demonstrate reciprocal contraction when the stomach relaxes, nor does it relax when the stomach contracts. The pylorus is normally in tonic contraction It is partially covered by omentum and cancer is commonly found there.
It cannot be palpated at laparotomy.
It is not covered completely by omentum.
It is a distinct anatomic entity that can be distinguished during laparotomy.
It is a true physiologic sphincter.
Stomach & Duodenum