What are rugae?

Rugae are the folds in the stomach lining that allow the stomach to expand when it fills with food and fluids. These folds are particularly important for the stomach's ability to accommodate varying amounts of content. When the stomach is empty, the rugae are pronounced and the stomach appears smaller. However, as food enters the stomach, these folds flatten out, allowing for an increase in volume. This feature also plays a role in the mechanical digestion of food, as the folds help to mix and churn the contents more effectively. Rugae serves as an important anatomical adaptation that enables the stomach to perform its functions efficiently.