Which medical specialty focuses on the study of the stomach and intestines?

Gastroenterology is the medical specialty dedicated to the study, diagnosis, and treatment of conditions affecting the gastrointestinal tract, which includes the stomach and intestines. This specialty encompasses a wide range of issues, from digestive disorders to diseases that can affect the lining of the stomach and intestines, such as ulcers, inflammatory bowel disease, and gastrointestinal cancers. Gastroenterologists are trained to perform procedures like endoscopies to visualize and treat problems within this system, making this specialty crucial for managing both common and complex gastrointestinal issues.

The other options pertain to entirely different bodily systems. Pediatrics focuses on the health and medical care of infants, children, and adolescents, not specifically on the gastrointestinal system. Dermatology is dedicated to diagnosing and treating skin conditions and diseases, which is unrelated to gastrointestinal health. Cardiology centers on diagnosing and treating heart-related conditions, making it distinct from the study of the stomach and intestines. Understanding these distinctions highlights why gastroenterology is the correct answer for this question.