gastrology

Gastrology is the branch of medical science that focuses on the stomach, including its structure, function, and diseases. It encompasses anatomy, physiology, pathology, and clinical care related to the stomach. In modern medical usage, gastroenterology is the broader field that covers the entire digestive tract, while gastrology is sometimes used to denote the stomach’s specific study or to describe stomach-focused practice within gastroenterology.

The stomach is a sac-like organ with a mucosal lining, muscular walls, and a pyloric outlet. Its functions include receipt and mechanical processing of ingested food, secretion of gastric juice (including acid, pepsin, and intrinsic factor), and regulation of emptying into the small intestine. Parietal cells produce hydrochloric acid; chief cells secrete pepsinogen; gastrin and other hormones modulate secretion. The gastric mucosa is protected by mucus, bicarbonate, and prostaglandins, and digestion is aided by neural and hormonal signals via the enteric nervous system and vagus nerve.

Clinical gastrology addresses conditions such as gastritis, peptic ulcers, functional dyspepsia, gastroparesis, and gastric cancer. Diagnosis relies on history, endoscopy (gastroscopy) with biopsy when indicated, and tests for Helicobacter pylori, such as the urea breath test or stool antigen test. Imaging may be used for complications. Treatments include acid-suppressive medications (proton pump inhibitors, H2 blockers), antibiotics for H. pylori, prokinetics, antacids, and lifestyle modification; advanced disease may require surgical intervention such as gastrectomy or pyloroplasty.

Historically, gastrology evolved with advances in anatomy, physiology, endoscopy, and cancer surgery. Today, research areas include the gastric microbiome, mucosal immunology, gastric cancer prevention, and the regulation of gastric motility and secretion. While the term remains less common than gastroenterology, gastrology remains a recognized descriptor for stomach-focused study and care.