Rugae

Rugae
Diagram from cancer.gov: Rugae can be seen within stomach.
Anatomical terminology

Rugae is a term used in anatomy that refers to a series of ridges produced by folding of the wall of an organ.^[1] Most commonly the term is applied to the internal surface of the stomach (gastric rugae).

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:

• Wrinkles of the scrotum
• Hard palate immediately behind the upper anterior teeth
• Inside the urinary bladder
• Vagina
• Gallbladder
• Inside the stomach

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