Rugae

In anatomy, rugae (sg.: ruga) are a series of ridges produced by folding of the wall of an organ. Most commonly rugae refers to the gastric rugae of the internal surface of the stomach.

Rugae
Diagram of the stomach Rugae can be seen within stomach.
Anatomical terminology

Rugae folds behind the anterior teeth in the hard palate of the mouth

Function

A purpose of the gastric rugae is to allow for expansion of the stomach after the consumption of foods and liquids. This expansion increases the volume of the stomach to hold larger amounts of food. The folds also result in greater surface area, allowing the stomach to absorb nutrients more quickly.

Location

Rugae can appear in the following locations in humans:

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

Difference between rugae and plicae

With few exceptions (e.g. the scrotum), 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.