What does pylorus mean?
The pylorus is the muscular opening between the stomach and the first part of the small intestine, the duodenum. Also called the pyloric sphincter or pyloric valve, it opens in controlled bursts to allow partially digested food, or chyme, to pass into the duodenum and then contracts again to help regulate the flow. Its muscular ring is clinically important because narrowing or swelling of this area can produce a condition called pyloric stenosis, particularly in infants. The term comes from ancient Greek and literally means “gatekeeper,” an apt description of a structure that controls movement through the stomach’s exit. Although the pylorus is often identified with the sphincter itself, the word can also denote the surrounding anatomical region.
nounThe muscular opening at the lower end of the stomach, which controls the passage of partially digested food into the duodenum.
- The muscular sphincter at the junction of the stomach and duodenum.
- By extension, the region surrounding this muscular opening.
"The surgeon inspected the pylorus before performing the procedure."
"Food passes through the pylorus into the duodenum."
"Pyloric stenosis is a narrowing of the opening that can obstruct the passage from the stomach."
The plural is used mainly in anatomical and clinical contexts.
"The surgeon examined both pylori during the operation."
Named by the ancient Greeks as the stomach’s “gatekeeper,” the pylorus meters chyme into the small intestine.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does pylorus come from?
Pylorus comes from the ancient Greek pylōros, meaning “gatekeeper” or “watcher of the gate.” It was formed from pylē, “gate,” and a suffix meaning “watcher” or “guardian.” The anatomical term was adopted into Latin and later English with the development of anatomical terminology.
Related word forms
How pylorus is actually used
Primarily a medical and anatomical term. In clinical writing it is often used interchangeably with the pyloric sphincter, although more strictly it refers to the muscular structure or region at the gastric outlet.