Angle of His

The angle of His is the acute angle created between the cardia at the entrance to the stomach, and the esophagus. It forms a valve, preventing reflux of duodenal bile, enzymes and stomach acid from entering the esophagus, where they can cause inflammation. The angle is created by the collar sling fibres and the circular muscles around this (gastroesophageal) junction. The angle of His is normally undeveloped in infancy, with the esophagus making a vertical junction with the stomach, and as a result, reflux of stomach contents is common.