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The cardia is the portion of the stomach that is located nearest to the lower esophageal sphincter, which connects the esophagus to the stomach. This area acts as a transition zone, allowing the entrance of food into the stomach while also playing a critical role in preventing the backflow of stomach contents (reflux) into the esophagus. The anatomy of the cardia is especially important in understanding various gastrointestinal conditions, such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

In contrast, the fundus refers to the upper, dome-shaped region of the stomach, positioned above the cardia, while the pylorus constitutes the lower part of the stomach that connects to the small intestine. The antrum, also part of the lower stomach, is involved in grinding food before it goes through the pyloric sphincter into the duodenum. Thus, the relationship of the cardia to the lower esophageal sphincter is essential in maintaining the integrity of the gastroesophageal junction and ensuring proper digestive function.