Contents of the abdomen Flashcards
Name the 3 main layers of the alimentary system (histology)
Serous
Muscular
Mucosal
Describe the function of the serous layer
the outer membrane; encloses several body cavities; secrete a lubricating fluid; outer epithelial layer (secretory) and inner layer (connective tissue with vessels)
Describe the function of the muscular layer
longitudinal or circular; responsible for movement of lumen contents
Describe the function of the mucosal layer
inner layer; lines internal organs or cavities exposed to external environment; secrete mucus; also involved in absorption
What is the function of the palate?
Roof of mouth; soft palate blocks nasal cavity during swallowing
What is the role of the pharynx?
Directs food to oesophagus; blocks entry to trachea
Where is the oesophagus found in relation to the trachea?
Posterior
Where is the oesophagus found in relation to the aorta?
Inferior
Where is the stomach in relation to the heart?
Directly under it
Give the name of the structure linking the stomach to the oesophagus?
Cardial orifice
Give the name of the structure linking the stomach to the small intestine?
Pyloric orifice
What structures are associated with orifices
Sphincters
Give the names of the 3 types of stomach muscle
longitudinal, circular, oblique
What is the small intestine subdivided into?
Duodenum
Jejunum
Ileum
Duodenum is a … organ
Reteroperitoneal
What does retroperitoneal mean?
Hiddden within peritoneum
Describe the structure of the duodenum
C shaped – 4 parts:
superior, descending, horizontal, ascending
Where does the duodenum end?
Ends at the duodenal – jejunal flexure
Where does the jejunum run from?
duodenal - jejunal flexure to
ileocaecal junction
What is the function and structure of the jejunum?
Site of absorption: large surface area, further increased by circular folds + villi + microvilli; motility
Describe the structure of the large intestine
M shaped – 4 parts (from right to left):
ascending, transverse, descending, sigmoid
Which parts of the M shaped large intestine are retroperitoneal?
Ascending/descending
What is the function of the small intestine?
Digestion and absorption
What is the function of the large intestine?
Absorption of water, form faeces and expelling these
defecating
What are the branches of the superior mesenteric?
Jejunal and ileal branches
Middle colic
Right colic
Ileocaecal
What are the branches of the inferior mesenteric?
Left colic
Sigmoid
Superior rectal
Where does the superior mesenteric run?
Distal part duodenum to proximal 2/3
transverse colon
Where does the inferior mesenteric run?
Distal 1/3 transverse colon to half way down anal canal
Name the lymphatics in this section
Superior mesenteric nodes
Inferior mesenteric nodes
Which are prevertebral and which are paravertebral:
(a) Splanchnic nerves
(b) Sympathetic trunk and ganglia
(a) Prevertebral
(b) Paravertebral
