The Exit of the Stomach is Guarded by the _______

Question

The exit of the stomach is guarded by the _______, a strong ring of muscle.
A) pyloric sphincter
B) cardiac sphincter
C) rugae
D) duodenum

Accepted Answer

The pyloric sphincter is the muscle that guards the exit of the stomach and regulates the release of partially digested food into the small intestine. The cardiac sphincter is located at the entrance of the stomach and prevents stomach acid from entering the esophagus. Rugae are the folds found in the lining of the stomach that allow it to expand when it is filled with food. The duodenum is the first part of the small intestine that receives partially digested food from the stomach.