Organ
Lesser curvature
Concave gastric border facing the liver
High-yield
The left and right gastric arterial networks approach one another along this border, alongside the descending gastric branches of the vagal trunks.
Overview
The lesser curvature connects the cardia with the pylorus along the stomach's shorter, concave margin. The lesser omentum attaches here and carries vessels and nerves toward the gastric wall. The angular incisure provides a surface landmark near the transition from body to pyloric region.
Reference facts
- Location
- Concave medial/right-facing margin between the esophageal entry region and gastric outlet.
- Parts
- Includes the angular incisure near the distal body and pyloric transition.
- Blood supply
- Left and right gastric branches supply communicating vessels along the margin, with variation in their origins and overlap.
- Innervation
- Anterior and posterior gastric vagal branches, including the nerves of Latarjet, course beside the lesser curvature.
- Venous/Lymphatic drainage
- Gastric veins reach the portal circulation; lymph follows regional gastric channels toward celiac nodes.
- Relations
- Lesser omentum extends from the border toward the liver; the lesser sac lies posterior to the stomach.
- Function
- Provides a short attachment border for neurovascular routes; mucosal folds along it can form a channel when the stomach is relatively empty.
Clinical correlation
A deep ulcer near the lesser curvature can erode regional gastric vessels and bleed. Posterior penetration or perforation may involve the lesser sac or adjacent structures; location alone does not establish that an ulcer is benign.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the lesser curvature located?
The lesser curvature lies concave medial/right-facing margin between the esophageal entry region and gastric outlet.
What does the lesser curvature do?
Provides a short attachment border for neurovascular routes; mucosal folds along it can form a channel when the stomach is relatively empty.
What are the parts of the lesser curvature?
The parts of the lesser curvature are the includes the angular incisure near the distal body and pyloric transition.
What is the blood supply of the lesser curvature?
Left and right gastric branches supply communicating vessels along the margin, with variation in their origins and overlap.