Which region of the stomach is located closest to the esophagus and serves as the entry point for ingested food?

• A. Cardia
• B. Body
• C. Fundus
• D. Pylorus

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Begin by identifying the anatomical structure of the stomach and its regions. The stomach is divided into four main regions: the cardia, fundus, body, and pylorus.
2. Step 2: Understand the function of each region. The cardia is the region closest to the esophagus and serves as the entry point for ingested food. The fundus is the dome-shaped upper part, the body is the central portion, and the pylorus is the lower region leading to the small intestine.
3. Step 3: Recall the connection between the esophagus and the stomach. The esophagus delivers food to the stomach through the lower esophageal sphincter, which opens into the cardia.
4. Step 4: Eliminate incorrect options based on their location and function. The body, fundus, and pylorus are not directly connected to the esophagus and do not serve as the entry point for food.
5. Step 5: Conclude that the cardia is the correct answer, as it is anatomically positioned closest to the esophagus and functions as the entry point for ingested food.