[1] They provide elasticity by allowing the stomach to expand when a bolus enters it.

These folds stretch outward through the action of mechanoreceptors, which respond to the increase in pressure.

[2] They also provide the stomach with an increased surface area for nutrient absorption during digestion.

[2] Gastric folds may be seen during esophagogastroduodenoscopy or in radiological studies.

[3][4] The gastric folds consist of two layers: Thickening of the gastric folds may be observed by endoscopy or radiography and may aid in the differential diagnosis of many disease processes including:[3] This human digestive system article is a stub.