What is antral?

Antral refers to something that is related to or located in the antrum. The term "antral" commonly refers to the antrum of the stomach, which is a lower portion of the stomach that connects to the small intestine.

The antrum of the stomach is responsible for the mixing and grinding of food particles, as well as the release of partially digested food into the small intestine. It contains specialized cells that produce digestive enzymes and stomach acid to break down the food further.

Antral gastritis, also known as type B gastritis, is a condition characterized by inflammation in the antrum of the stomach. It can be caused by Helicobacter pylori infection, long-term use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), excessive alcohol consumption, or other factors. Symptoms may include abdominal pain, bloating, nausea, and indigestion.

Antral follicle is another term used in reproductive medicine, particularly in relation to female fertility. Antral follicles are small fluid-filled structures found in the ovaries that contain immature eggs (oocytes). The number and size of antral follicles are important indicators of ovarian reserve and can be assessed through an ultrasound examination. This assessment is often used to determine a woman's fertility potential or to monitor the response to fertility treatments.

Overall, the term "antral" is used in different contexts, primarily referring to the antrum of the stomach or antral follicles in the ovaries.