GI Histology Flashcards
2 less known functions of GI:
Secretion and Protection
5 main functions of GI?
Digestion Absorption Secretion Movement Protection
4 common structural features of GIT? and 2 ‘other’ features
mucosa
Submucosa
Muscularis externa
serosa/adventitia
Neurons
Immune cells
Which GIT structural layer is most diverse in cells?
mucosa
What are the 3 layers within the GIT Mucosa?
Epithelium
Lamina Propria
muscularis mucosae
How often are mucosal epithelium renewed? How?
every 5-6 days via local stem cells
Types of mucosal epithelium cells are usually?
columnar (enterocytes)
stratified squamous
endocrine
What is contained in the lamina propria of GIT mucosa? 4 things.
CT
nerves
small blood vessels
immune cells
What is the muscularis mucosae do?
thin layer of muscle marks the mucosal layer boundary, used for mixing
What kind of cells are usually barrier and found in esophagus/anal canal?
stratified squamous
What kind of cells are usually secretory in GIT? where predominantly?
stomach, gastric glands
large intestine: tubular glands
What kind of cells are usually absorptive? where?
small intestine. columnar epithelium
What’s the purpose of the submucosa connective tissue?
strength and elasticity
describe the submucosa connective tissue
dense, irregular
Can you see small ganglia in the submucosa usually?
Hard to see without special stains
Are there glands and immune cells, blood vessels in submucosa?
yes.
Which is stronger: muscularis externa? muscularis mucosae?
muscularis externa
how many layers usually for muscularis externa?
2
what are the two layers of muscularis externa? what do they do?
inner circumferential (narrowing) outer longitudinal (sqeezing)
what and where are the ganglia called within the muscularis externa?
myenteric ganglia found between inner and outer layer
What does GI serosa do? what kind of cells? why?
secretes fluid
simple squamous
allows organ movement
is there adventitia along the entire GIT? where? purpose?
Nope. in parts of esophagus and rectum
CT to join with surrounding structures
ENS is part of which system?
autonomic nervous system
What does ENS regulate?
Absorption secretion
smooth muscle activity
What does myenteric ganglia regulate?
smooth muscle activity
What does submucous ganglia regulate?
absorption, secretion
What kind of nerves are found in the ENS ganglia?
sensory
motor
interneurons
swallowing reflex does what?
propulsion of bolus
what kind of epithelium in esophagus?
non-keratinised squamous
two muscle types in esophagus? where? how controlled?
Top: striated (voluntary)
Bottom: Smooth (involuntary)
What kind of change between esophagus and stomach?
abrupt functional change in epithelium: squamous to glands
describe the 3rd external muscle of the stomach:
oblique layer, varies
4 kinds of cells you can find in a gastric gland? What do they secrete?
Mucous cells
Parietal cells (HCl)
Chief (pepsinogen)
Enteroendocrine (gastrin Hormone)
Small intestine absorbs ___% of digestion products?
85%
Are there immune cells in the small intestine?
yes
Name the surface area increasing structures of the small intestine:
plica circulares
villi
microvilli
What are the spaces between villi called? purpose?
crypt of Lieberkuhn
secrete fluid and mucus
Why have muscularis mucosae in the small intestine?
moves villi to improve mixing of contents
where does the lamina propria of the small intestine go?
CT extends into core of each villus
What is found in the lamina propria of the small intestine?
muscularis mucosae
blood, lymph vessels
immune cells
What are the clear cells seen on the villi?
goblet cells