Innervation

The stomach receives innervation from the autonomic nervous system via parasympathetic and sympathetic nerve fibers.

Parasympathetic innervation

The parasympathetic innervation of the stomach is provided by the anterior and posterior vagal trunks that arise from the left and right vagus nerves (CN X), respectively.

The anterior vagal trunk mainly supplies a part of the anterior surface of the stomach and the pylorus.
The posterior vagal trunk is larger and innervates the remaining anterior gastric surface, as well as the entire posterior surface.

The parasympathetic nerve fibers are responsible for inducing gastric secretion and motility, as well as they provide relaxation of the pyloric sphincter during chyme movement. The vagus nerves also carry fibers responsible for sensations such as pain, fullness and nausea.

Sympathetic innervation

The sympathetic innervation is provided by the celiac plexus via the greater splanchnic nerves that originate from the fifth or sixth to ninth thoracic spinal nerves (T5/T6 - T9).

The sympathetic nervous system has opposite effects - it inhibits the secretion and gastric motility and provides constriction of the pyloric sphincter.

Lymphatic drainage

The lymphatic drainage of the stomach is provided by the submucosal lymphatic plexus. It drains into a subserosal network of lymphatic vessels located just beneath the visceral peritoneum.

Overall, lymphatic vessels follow the course of the arteries supplying the stomach. The lymph drains into the coeliac lymph nodes, which are connected with the para-aortic nodes (lumbar or lateral aortic lymph nodes).

Unlock with Premium

Innervation and lymphatic drainage of stomach

Innervation