General Anatomy · Digestive System · Medium

Rugae

Meaning: The folds in the lining of an organ such as the stomach, allowing it to stretch when full.

In practice: When the stomach is empty, the rugae are prominent; they flatten out as it fills with food.

Quick check

Two questions on related general anatomy words.

Which word means: The small pouches that give the large intestine its segmented, puckered appearance.

Which word means: A spiral-shaped structure in the inner ear that detects sound.

Words like rugae come up in the daily game

One medical word a day, then a quick three-question quiz. Free on iPhone, or play in your browser on Android and computer.

Related words

More general anatomy terms · All medical words