Physiologically as soon as food has been swallowed and has passed the pharynx, the further motion of the bolus is accomplished without our consciousness. We know from experience that the peristaltic action of the oesophagus carries the bolus to the cardia, which has opened during deglutition, and through it to the stomach. The cardia apparently remains closed, if not all the time, then at least when the stomach is at work. The pylorus is also closed during the act of gastric digestion, and opens at certain intervals, in order to allow portions of chyme to pass. The cardia and pylorus being closed, the anakinesic work of the stomach can go on without difficulty. If one of the arrangements just mentioned is disturbed, then pathological conditions arise. They may consist either in an exaggerated action or in a marked diminution of the work of one of the above functions.

1 J Boas "Krankh. des Magens," II. Teil. 4tc Auflage, S 260, Leipzig, 1901.