Gastro-intestinal system Flashcards
Anatomy of GI tract
-from mouth to anus, 8 metre long tube
-passes through thoracic and abdominopelvic cavities
-this tube consists of 4 layers that are specialised for specific functions (mucosa, submucosa, muscular layer, serosa)
Mucus membrane
-what is it, structure (2), function, clinical relevance
Mucosa
-surface epithelium
-some regions it is folded with projections which increases absorption
-also patches lymphatic tissue called mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT)
-carries out secretion and absorption
-in contact with food
-no sensory nerves, damages easily
Ulceration-
1. In mucosa
2. In submucosa
3. muscular layer
1.mucosa damage causing discomfort
2. bleeding occurs
3. causes extensive bleeding (fatal)
Submucosa
what is it, what it contains, function (2)
-loose connective tissue
-contains glands, blood vessels, lymphatic vessels and nerves
-nourishes surrounding tissue
-carries away absorbed material
Muscular layer
function, structure (detail)
-moves the tube
-constructed of 2 smooth muscle tissue coats
1. circular fibres on inner coat cause contraction
2. longitudinal fibres run length ways and cause shortening
Serous layer
structure(2), function(2)
Serosa
-visceral peritoneum on outside
-connective tissue beneath
-protects underlying tissues
-secretes serous fluid
4 layers of GI tract from deep to superficial
-mucosa
-submucosa
-muscular layer
-serosa
Peritoneum
what is it, 2 layers and gap between them
-largest serous membrane of the body
-parietal peritoneum lines wall of abdominopelvic cavity
-visceral layer covers organs
-space between them is where serous fluid is
Ascites-
where fluid accumulates in the abdomen
Retroperitoneal organs
Examples and what they are
-kidneys, pancreas
-covered by peritoneum only on anterior surfaces
Mesentery
what is it, structure (3)
-fold of peritoneum
-fan shaped
-binds small intestine to the posterior abdominal wall
-extends from posterior abdominal wall wraps around small intestine and returns to origin
Mesocolon
-fold of peritoneum binds large intestine to posterior wall
-carries blood and lymphatic vessels
Functions of GI tract
-ingestion
-mechanical processing
-digestion
-secretion
-absorption
-excretion
Ingestion
-food enters GI tract through mouth
-starts process with mechanical and chemical actions
Mechanical processing
what is it, what has main influence on chewing, numbers
-mastication- chewing, crushing and breaking into smaller fragments
-pressure changes in mouth have main influence on chewing, teeth are secondary
-not chewing properly reduces digestion by 50%
-pressure changes of 37psi are achieved by the mouth
Digestion
-chemical breakdown of food into small particles that can be absorbed by epithelium
-simple molecules stay intact while others are broken down before being absorbed
Secretion
-release water, acids, buffer enzymes and salts by epithelium and glandular organs
Absorption
-movement of molecules acted upon by enzymes, electrolytes, vitamins and water across epithelium into interstitial fluid