2.3 The Blood Supply to the Gut Tube

Question 1

What are the 3 main branches of the Abdominal Aorta which supply the Gut Tube?

Answer 1

1. The Coeliac Trunk
2. The Superior Mesenteric Artery
3. The Inferior Mesenteric Artery

Question 2

At what Vertebral Level does the Coeliac Trunk branch off at?

Answer 2

T12 - Just below the Diaphragm

Question 3

At what Vertebral Level does the Superior Mesenteric Artery branch off at?

Answer 3

L1

Question 4

At what Vertebral Level does the Inferior Mesenteric Artery branch off at?

Answer 4

L3

Question 5

Which artery supplies the Foregut?

Answer 5

The Coeliac Artery

Question 6

Which artery supplies the Midgut?

Answer 6

The Superior Mesenteric Artery

Question 7

Which artery supplies the Hindgut?

Answer 7

The Inferior Mesenteric Artery

Question 8

What are the structures in the Foregut?

Answer 8

1. The Abdominal Oesophagus
2. The Stomach
3. The Duodenum until the Major Dunodenal Papilla

Question 9

What are the structures in the Midgut?

Answer 9

1. The Duodenum from the Major Duodenal Papilla
2. The Jejunum
3. The Ilium
4. The Caecum
5. The Appendix
6. The Ascending Colon
7. The Proximal 2/3 of the Transverse Colon

Question 10

What are the structures in the Hindgut?

Answer 10

1. The Distal 1/3 of the Transverse Colon
2. The Descending Colon
3. The Sigmoid Colon
4. The Rectum

Question 11

What are some Foregut and Midgut derived Organs which are not part of the Gut Tube?

Answer 11

1. Spleen
2. Liver
3. Gallbladder
4. Pancreas

Question 12

What type of Venous system drains Blood from the Abdominopelvic Gastrointestinal Tract?

Answer 12

A Portal System

Question 13

What is a Portal System?

Answer 13

A vascular arrangement where the blood from one’s organs capillaries is transported to the capillaries of another organ - Blood going from 1 organ to another without passing the heart.

Question 14

The Hepatic Portal Vein is formed by the Union of which 2 major veins of the Abdominal Cavity?

Answer 14

1. The Superior Mesenteric Vein
2. The Inferior Mesenteric Vein

Question 15

Where does blood from the Gut Tube superior to the Diaphragm, and inferior to the Pelvic Floor, drain via?

Answer 15

Systemic Circulation

Question 16

As these areas drain into Systemic Circulation, what does this mean must be present?

Answer 16

An anastomosis of the 2, known as the Portocaval (Posto-Systemic) Anastomosis

Question 17

What are the 4 sites of Portocaval Anastomosis in the Body?

Answer 17

1. In the Distal Oesophagus
2. Between the Rectal Veins
3. Between the Twigs of Coeliac Veins (Retroperitoneal)
4. Paraumbilical Veins, anastomosing with the Periumbilical Superficial Epigastric Veins

Question 18

What is the Clinical Significance of the Portocaval System?

Answer 18

In Portal Hypertension, e.g. Liver Cirrhosis, these can become congested and form Dilatiations. This can lead to Oesophageal Varicies, Hemorrhoids, or Caput Medusae