1.1 Intro to the gut and control Flashcards
What are the main functions of the mouth?
Physical breakdown of food
Initial digestive enzymes released
Infection Control
What is the main function of the oesophagus?
Rapid transport of the bolts to stomach through thorax via peristalsis
What is the function of the upper oesophageal sphincter?
To prevent air from entering the GI tract
What is the function of the lower oesophageal sphincter?
To prevent reflux from the stomach into the oesophagus
What are the four major functions of the stomach?
- Storage facility
- To produce chyme ( physical and chemical breakdown of food)
- Infection control
- Secrete Intrinsic Factor for absorption of vitamin B12
What are the 2 main function of the duodenum?
Neutralisation/osmotic stabilisation of chyme
Continuation of digestion ( pancreatic secretions and bile )
What is the main site of nutrient absorption?
Jejunum
Where is the main site of water and electrolyte absorption?
Mainly Ileum
Where is bile reabsorbed?
Ileum
Where is vitamin B12 absorbed?
Terminal ileum
What are the 5 main functions of the large bowel?
Temporary storage of faeces Final water absorption Final electrolyte absorption Some bile salt reabsorption Production of some SCFAs
What are the main function of saliva?
Chemical digestion via amylase enzymes
Lubrication of food bolus
Infection control via lysozymes
What is the function of the pyloric sphincter?
To release chyme into the duodenum
What are the 2 main functions of the acidic environment of the stomach?
- Denatures and unravels proteins to assist in their digestion by proteases.
- Forms an innate barrier towards live toxins therefore protecting against infection through the gut.
How long is the duodenum?
25cm
What is the main function of bile?
To help emulsify fats.
Describe the structure of the jejunum
Longest part of the gut.
Contains plicae circulares to increase SA
What is chyme?
A fluid that passes out of the stomach consisting of gastric secretions and partially digested food.
From proximal in the gut to distal, what are the different sections of the large gut?
caecum Ascending colon Transverse colon Descending colon Sigmoid colon
Why is it important that the large intestine produces SCFA?
To support the bacteria in the micro biome of the large intestine.
What occurs in the rectum to stimulate the urge to deficate?
The rectum is usually empty. When it begins to fill and stretch is detected we get the urge to deficate.
What is Cullens sign?
Superficial oedema and bruising around the belly button/umbilicus.
What causes cullens sign?
Acute pancreatitis
Bleeding from blunt abdominal trauma
Bleeding from aortic rupture
Bleeding from ruptured ectopic pregnancy
What is grey Turners sign?
Bruising of the flanks, usually with a blue discolouration.
When does grey Turners sign develop?
During a retroperitoneal hemorrhage.
Acute pancreatitis, pancreatic haemorrhage, blunt abdominal trauma, ruptured ectopic pregnancy
Where do cell bodies of neurons of the autonomic nervous system reside?
Reside within the CNS (brain or spinal cord)
What chemical do preganglionic fibres of the autonomic nervous system secrete?
Acetyl choline
What chemical(s) do postganglionic fibres of the autonomic nervous system secret?
ACh
neuropeptides
Norepinephrine