Which structural feature of the stomach increases its capacity by distending?

Which structural feature of the stomach increases its capacity by distending?

• A. Rugae
• B. Plicae
• C. Haustra
• D. Microvilli

Answer: (A)

Rugae are folds of the stomach’s mucosa and submucosa that allow it to stretch as it fills. When the stomach is empty, these folds are prominent; as a meal enters, the rugae flatten out, letting the stomach expand to hold more contents without a sharp rise in internal pressure. This distensible lining is what gives the stomach its large storage capacity. Plicae circulares are circular folds in the small intestine that increase surface area for absorption, not stomach distension. Haustra are pouches along the colon that aid in segmentation and movement of feces, not the stomach. Microvilli are tiny projections on the absorptive cells of the small intestine that increase surface area for absorption, not a structure used for stomach distension.

Rugae are folds of the stomach’s mucosa and submucosa that allow it to stretch as it fills. When the stomach is empty, these folds are prominent; as a meal enters, the rugae flatten out, letting the stomach expand to hold more contents without a sharp rise in internal pressure. This distensible lining is what gives the stomach its large storage capacity.

Plicae circulares are circular folds in the small intestine that increase surface area for absorption, not stomach distension. Haustra are pouches along the colon that aid in segmentation and movement of feces, not the stomach. Microvilli are tiny projections on the absorptive cells of the small intestine that increase surface area for absorption, not a structure used for stomach distension.