The antrum is an area within the stomach that contains mucus-secreting cells and gastrin-secreting endocrine cells. This part of the stomach plays a vital role in digesting food.
The stomach consists of three anatomical regions (fundus, corpus, and antrum) and two functional areas (oxyntic and pyloric). The oxyntic area is characterized by parietal glands that secrete gastric acid. These glands are also surrounded by neuroendocrine cells that produce paracrine and hormonal agents. These cells modulate the activity of the parietal cells and control the release of gastrin [1].
In the antrum, somatostatin-secreting D cells are present to modulate gastrin release and gastric acid secretion. This region of the stomach is also the site of production of bile, which is produced by the gallbladder in the body and excreted backward through the pyloric sphincter into the small intestine.
There are many conditions that can affect the antrum of the stomach. Some of these include:
Peptic ulcers, which are inflammations along the lining of the stomach and can cause pain when eating or drinking. They’re common among older adults, and are often caused by stress or NSAID use.
Antral ulcers can also be the result of a bacterial infection, such as Helicobacter pylori. They’re a serious health problem that must be treated promptly.
Other disorders that can affect the antrum of the digestive tract include:
Follicular antra are fluid-filled ovarian follicles in the ovaries that contain immature egg cells and prepare for ovulation. When women have polycystic ovarian syndrome, these antra may not mature and produce eggs, which can lead to infertility.
Another condition that can affect the antrum of the gastrointestinal tract is cancer, which can start in the stomach or other parts of the digestive system. These cancers usually form in the lining of the stomach, but they can also start in the esophagus, bronchus, or the pancreas.
These cancers are often slow-growing, and they can’t be removed without surgery. If they’re large, they can cause pain when eating or drinking, and they may lead to nausea and vomiting.
They can also be a sign of a disease, such as polycystic ovarian syndrome or diabetes. In some cases, antral follicles may become so large that they rupture and cause bleeding.
There are also a few other types of tumors that can develop in the antrum of the stomach. These include:
Cysts and nodules are other inflammatory conditions that can occur in the antrum of the stomach. They’re typically asymptomatic, but they can cause pain when eating or drinking and swelling of the lining of the stomach.
These nodules and cysts are most common in older women, but they can also be seen in men. They can’t be removed without surgery, but they can be treated by medication or other therapies.
