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Rugae is a term used in anatomy that refers to a series of ridges produced by folding of the wall of an organ. Most commonly the term is applied to the internal surface of the stomach (gastric rugae).
Contents
Function
The purpose of the gastric rugae is to allow for expansion of the stomach after the consumption of foods and liquids.
Location
Rugae can appear in the following locations in humans:
Difference between rugae and plicae
Rugae are only evident when an organ or tissue is deflated or relaxed. For example, rugae are evident within the stomach when it is deflated. However, when the stomach distends, the rugae unfold to allow for the increase in volume. On the other hand, plicae remain folded regardless of distension as is evident within the plicae of the small intestine walls.
References
Rugae Wikipedia(Text) CC BY-SA