Maagdenkervel

Maagdenkervel is an anatomical term used primarily in Dutch-speaking medical literature to refer to the cardiac portion of the stomach, also known as the gastro‑esophageal junction. It represents the region where the esophagus attaches to the stomach and contains the lower esophageal sphincter, a muscular valve that regulates the flow of food and prevents reflux of gastric contents back into the esophagus. The term combines “maag,” the Dutch word for stomach, with “kervel,” a root derived from the Latin “kervium,” referring to a necklace or surrounding ring, indicating its circumferential placement around the esophageal entrance.

The maagdenkervel is crucial for maintaining digestive competence. Its smooth muscle fibers contract to close the opening during swallowing, then relax to allow food passage. Dysfunction of this segment can lead to common gastrointestinal disorders. Pathological conditions include gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) when the sphincter fails to close adequately, and hiatal hernia when part of the stomach protrudes above the diaphragm through the esophageal hiatus, both of which involve the maagdenkervel. Endoscopic evaluation often visualizes changes such as Barrett’s esophagus or esophagitis adjacent to this area. Imaging modalities, particularly high-resolution manometry and esophagogastroduodenoscopy, provide functional and structural assessment of the maagdenkervel in clinical practice.

Research into pharmacological therapies for reflux targets the muscular tone of the maagdenkervel, with proton‑pump inhibitors and prokinetic agents commonly prescribed to reduce acid exposure and enhance sphincter pressure. In severe cases, surgical procedures such as fundoplication are performed to reinforce the closure of the maagdenkervel and alleviate reflux symptoms. Thus, the maagdenkervel remains one of the most studied and clinically relevant sites in gastroenterology, forming a key component in the interplay between the esophagus and stomach.