Where is H. pylori most commonly found in the stomach?
Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a spiral shaped bacterium that lives in or on the lining of the stomach. It causes more than 90 percent of ulcers, which are sores in the lining of the stomach or the duodenum (the first part of the small intestine).
What diseases are caused by Helicobacter pylori?
Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a type of bacteria that causes infection in the stomach. It is the main cause of peptic ulcers, and it can also cause gastritis and stomach cancer.
What happens when H. pylori goes untreated?
If left untreated, a H. pylori infection can cause gastritis (inflammation of the lining of the stomach). Gastritis can occur suddenly (acute gastritis) or gradually (chronic gastritis).
What is the pyloric valve?
Pyloric Valve – An Important Sphincter That Affects Acid Reflux? The pyloric valve or sphincter is placed right at the bottom end of the stomach. It is basically a strong ring of muscles which are used to control food movement from the stomach and into the intestines or more precisely the duodenum with is the first part of the small intestine.
What causes Helicobacter pylori in the stomach?
Overview. Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection occurs when H. pylori bacteria infect your stomach. This usually happens during childhood. A common cause of peptic ulcers, H. pylori infection may be present in more than half the people in the world.
What is the function of the pyloric sphincter?
It is basically a strong ring of muscles which are used to control food movement from the stomach and into the intestines or more precisely the duodenum with is the first part of the small intestine. The pyloric sphincter is meant to control the speed at which the stomach contents are passed into the small intestines.
How is Helicobacter pylori adapted to its environment?
H. pyloriis adapted to live in the harsh, acidic environment of the stomach. The “H” in the name is short for Helicobacter. “Helico” means spiral, which refers to the shape of the bacteria. This bacteria can change the environment around it and reduce the acidity so it can survive more easily.