GI Flashcards
Where is McBurney’s point? What is its clinical significance?
McBurney’s point is 2/3 of the way from the umbilicus to the right anterior superior iliac spine. It marks the site of the base of the appendix and is also the position of the caecum during a clinical examination.
Where is the subcostal plane? What can be found here?
Level of the 10th rib. Located here is the L2 vertebra, the origin of the superior mesenteric artery, and the usual lower limit of the spinal cord.
Where is the bifurcation of the abdominal aorta?
L3-L4
What does the abdominal aorta bifurcate into? What is the next division of these two arteries?
The left and right common iliac arteries. These further split into the left and right internal and external iliac arteries.
What is the skin of the abdominal wall innervated by? What is the umbilicus innervated by?
T7-L1. Umbilicus innervated by T10.
How is the swallowing reflex initiated?
When food is moved to the rear of the mouth by the tongue, pressure receptors in the pharynx are activated. These send afferent impulses to the swallowing center in the medulla oblongata.
What happens to prevent food from being inhaled?
Respiration is inhibited and the epiglottis closes.
How many sets of salivary glands are there and what are their names?
3 sets. Parotid (in front of the ears), submandibular and sublingual.
What does the smell or sight of food induce?
Cephalic phase of salivary secretion.
What type of glands are the parotid, submandibular and sublingual salivary glands?
Parotid is serous, sublingual is mucinous and submandibular is mixed serous and mucinous.
