Stomach of an Obese White Male, Anterior View

Description

Anteriorly, the distal esophagus descends through the diaphragmatic hiatus to meet the gastric cardia, then expands into the fundus and body of the stomach beneath the left hemidiaphragm. The lesser curvature forms the superomedial border, with the hepatogastric ligament (lesser omentum) attaching along it and continuing toward the porta hepatis, while the greater curvature sweeps inferolaterally toward the antrum. Distally, the pylorus sits right of midline and leads into the first part of the duodenum, which turns posteriorly at the pyloroduodenal junction. Subcutaneous adipose tissue is suggested by the obese habitus, with translucent integument used to localize the upper gastrointestinal tract within the epigastrium and left hypochondrium. Attention to the lesser omentum matters because its free edge frames the epiploic (omental) foramen and carries the portal triad in continuity with the hepatoduodenal ligament, a key landmark when orienting to the lesser sac. In peptic ulcer disease along the lesser curvature, perforation can enter the lesser sac and present with posterior gastric leakage, while a pyloric-channel ulcer or edema can narrow the gastric outlet and delay emptying. Surgeons also approach the stomach and esophagogastric junction through this anterior corridor during antrectomy, vagotomy, and bariatric procedures, where excess visceral fat can obscure the pylorus and proximal duodenum. A practical operative roadmap. Use this artwork in gross anatomy and GI block teaching to reinforce surface projection, curvature-based orientation, and the lesser omentum as a gateway to the lesser sac. It also fits well in surgical texts and patient-facing materials explaining gastric outlet obstruction, peptic ulcer complications, and the anatomic targets of upper GI and bariatric surgery. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.