two sets. The first set consists of fibers continuous with the longitudinal fibers of the esophagus; 

 they radiate in a stellate manner from the cardiac orifice and are practically all lost before the 

 pyloric portion is reached. The second set commences on the body of the stomach and passes 



IG. 1051. The longitudinal and circular muscular fibers of the stomach, viewed from above and in front. (Spalteholz.) 



to the right, its fibers becoming more thickly distributed as they approach the pylorus. Some 

 of the more superficial fibers of this set pass on to the duodenum, but the deeper fibers dip inward 

 and interlace with the circular fibers of the pyloric valve. 



Esophagus 





FIG. 1052. The oblique muscular fibers of the stomach, viewed from above and in front. (Spalteholz.) 



The circular fibers (stratum circulars) form a uniform layer over the whole extent of the stomach 

 beneath the longitudinal fibers. At the pylorus they are most abundant, and are aggregated into 



