Gastrointestinal System Flashcards
What is the primary function of the GI?
Absorption of dietary nutrients, a process maximised by secretions added along the “tube” that convert large molecules to smaller ones - digestion
What are other functions of the GI system?
+ Storage
+ Excretion
What is the mucosa?
A single cell layer forming a continuous inner lining of GI tract
Mucosa = epithelium + lamina propria + muscularis mucosa
How often is the mucosal epithelia shed and replaced?
Every 2-3 days
Where does the apical side of the mucosal epithelium layer face?
GI lumen
Where does the basolateral side of the mucosal epithelium layer face?
Interstitium & vasculature
What are features of the mucosa in regards to the muscularis mucosa?
+ Thin layer of smooth muscle
+ Further increases surface arrea by creating ridges and folds
What are the features of the mucosa in regards to villi and crypts?
+ Extent of villi and crypts vary with GI section function e.g absorption vs motility
What are the features of the mucosa in regards to the lamina propria
+ Loose CT made up of elastin & collagen fibres
+ Contain sensory nerves, blood & lymph vessels, and secretory glands
What are the 4 different GI layers?
- Mucosa
- Submucosa
- Muscularis externa (ME)
- Serosa
What are features of the submucosa layer of the GI?
+ Thick layer with similar compostition to lamina propria
+ Incorporates blood vessels and nerve bundles that form a submucosal plexus (Meissner plexus - integral part of enteric nervous system
What are features of the muscularis externa (ME) layer of the GI?
ME = circular muscle + myenteric plexus + longitudinal muscle (Auerbach plexus)
+ Muscle layers named based on circulation
+ ENS co-ordinated contractions to mix and move contents between compartments
+ Sphincters regulate flow from one compartmetn to the next
What is the ENS?
Enteric nervous system: a subdivision of the autonomic nervous system (ANS) that directly controls the gastrointestinal system
What are features of the Serosa layer of the GI
+ Outermost layer of CT and layer of squamous epithelial cells
+ Some GI tract sections do not have a serosal layer (e.g oesophagus) but connect directly with adventitia (i.e CT that blends into abdominal or pelvic wall)
Gi function is regulated by which 3 divisions of the autonomic nervous system (ANS)?
+ Parasympathetic (PSNS)
+ Sympathetic (SNS)
+ Enteric (ENS)
Where is innervation derived from in the PSNS?
+ Vagus (medulla oblongata)
+ Pelvic-splanchnic nerces (S2-S4)
What do the sensory and motor components of the PSNS respond to?
+ Stretch
+ Pressure
+ Temperature
+ Osmolarity
In the PSNS, what primary NTs are used?
+ Acetylcholine (ACh)
+ Gastric releasing peptide
+ Substance P
What is the role of the PSNS in the GI system?
PSNS stimulates:
- GI secretions
- motility facilitating digestion
- absorption of nutrients
Where do the nerves of the SNS originate?
+ T5-T12
+ L1-L3
Where do the nerves of the SNS synapse?
In 1 of 3 ganglia: - celiac - superior mesenteric - inferior mesenteric (for lower GI system)
What are features of the SNS?
+ Upper GI tract innervates by nerves that synapse in superior cervical ganglion
+ Generally decreases GI secretions and motility
What are features of the ENS?
+ PSNS & SNS usually synapse with ENS components and modulate the ENS
+ But ENS can operate autonomously via intrinsic regulation & sensory reflexes
+ ENS nerves are organised into myenteric & submucosal plexuses
What are features/functions of the myenteric plexus?
+ A dense parallel neuronal configuration
+ Primary role of regulating intestinal smooth muscle
+ Participates in tonic & rhythmic contractions
What are features/functions of the submucosal plexus?
+ Primarily regulates intestinal secretions & local absorptive environment
+ Can also synapse on blood vessels, circular & longitudinal muscle, muscularis mucosa