What are the two types of peptic ulcers mentioned in the text?

Peptic ulcers primarily occur in two locations: the stomach and the duodenum. Gastric ulcers are those that form on the lining of the stomach, while duodenal ulcers develop in the upper part of the small intestine, known as the duodenum. Both types of ulcers are caused by an imbalance between factors that aid in mucosal defense, such as mucus and bicarbonate secretion, and aggressive factors like gastric acid and pepsin.

Understanding this distinction is crucial for identifying the specific type of treatment needed, as gastric and duodenal ulcers may have different underlying causes and management strategies. For example, the risk factors for gastric ulcers may include the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and the presence of H. pylori infection, which also plays a significant role in duodenal ulcer formation. Therefore, recognizing these two types of peptic ulcers—gastric and duodenal—is essential in both clinical and educational contexts.