GI anatomy

Question 1

Describe the location of the lesser and greater omentum

Answer 1

Lesser omentum goes from lesser curve of stomach (& 1st part of duodenum) to the porta hepatitis region of liver
Greater omentum hangs down from greater curve of stomach

Question 2

Describe the transverse mesocolon

Answer 2

Loops down across the cavity & lies behind the greater omentum – holds transverse colon to the posterior surface of the peritoneal cavity
Divides peritoneal cavity horizontally into supracolic and infracolic compartments

Question 3

What are the paracolic gutters?

Answer 3

Lie lateral to the ascending and descending colon (& medial to the abdominal wall)
If there is pathological fluid in the peritoneal cavity it cannot move from the infracolic to supracolic compartments EXCEPT via the paracolic gutters

Question 4

Describe the rectouterine/rectovesicle pouch

Answer 4

Rectouterine pouch (pouch of Douglas) lies between the rectum and the uterus (only in females)
-fluid can collect here
Rectovesicle pouch lies between rectum and bladder (only in males)

Question 5

Describe the hepatorenal pouch

Answer 5

Underneath the right lobe of the liver

Fluid can collect here as they are ‘gravity dependant’ in a supine position

Question 6

What is the epiploic foramen?

Answer 6

Connection between the greater and lesser sac of the peritoneal cavity

Question 7

Describe the coeliac trunk

Answer 7

Second branch of abdominal aorta

Arises from anterior aspect of the aorta, at the aortic hiatus of the diaphragm (T12 level)

Question 8

List the three major branches of the coeliac trunk

Answer 8

Left gastric
Splenic
Common hepatic

Question 9

Describe the left gastric artery

Answer 9

Ascends across the diaphragm giving rise to oesophageal branches, before continuing anteriorly along the lesser curvature of the stomach
At this point, it anastomoses with the right gastric artery

Question 10

Describe the splenic artery

Answer 10

Travels left towards the spleen, running posterior to the stomach & along the superior margin of the pancreas
During its course, it is contained within the splenorenal ligament
Gives rise to several important vessels:
1) Left gastroepiploic – supplies the greater curvature of the stomach
2) Short gastrics – supply the fundus of the stomach
3) Pancreatic branches – supply the body & tail of the pancreas
Splenic artery has a torturous appearance

Question 11

Describe the common hepatic artery

Answer 11

Sole arterial supply to the liver & only branch of the trunk to pass to the right
As it travels past the superior aspect of the duodenum, it divides into its two terminal branches – proper hepatic & gastroduodenal arteries
Proper hepatic – ascends through the lesser omentum towards the liver
Gastroduodenal – descends posterior to the superior portion of the duodenum

Question 12

Describe the arterial supply to the pancreas

Answer 12

Supplied by the pancreatic branches of the splenic artery

Head is additionally supplied by the superior & inferior pancreaticoduodenal arteries

Question 13

Describe the venous drainage of the pancreas

Answer 13

Venous drainage of the head is into the superior mesenteric branches of the hepatic portal vein
Pancreatic veins draining the rest of the pancreas do so via the splenic veins