Question

Regurgitation of food from stomach is prevented by
A. Pyloric sphincter
B. Cardiac sphincter
C. Circular muscle
D. Muscularis mucosae

Answer 1

Regurgitation is the spitting up of undigested food and gastric juices from the stomach. It can be both voluntary and involuntary. It is more common in infants.

Complete Answer:
To solve this question, we must know about the process of regurgitation.
Regurgitation is the spitting up of the undigested food along with the gastric juices back to the esophagus and mouth. Esophagus is a muscular tube through which food passes to reach the stomach. Involuntary regurgitation is caused due to acid reflux and GERD. It can also be a symptom of rumination disorder. The backflow of the undigested food is controlled by circular muscles called the sphincters.

- Pyloric sphincter: It is a smooth muscle present in between the stomach and small intestine. It prevents the flow of partially digested food to the small intestine.
- Cardiac Sphincter: It is present in between esophagus and the stomach. The esophagus undergoes rhythmic peristalsis movement so that the food can reach the stomach.
- Circular muscle: The circular muscles are present in the GI tract which helps in peristaltic movement of the food.
- Muscularis mucosae: It is a thin layer of muscle found in the stomach.

Thus the correct answer is (B). Regurgitation of food from the stomach is prevented by cardiac sphincter.

Additional information: Vomiting is the ejection of the food and other gastric juices from the stomach and upper intestine.

Note: If the cardiac sphincter does not work properly, the contents from the stomach starts leaking back to the esophagus. The gastric acids of the stomach cause irritation in the esophagus and can lead to heartburn.