Intestines

Question 1

Where are brunner’s glands found and what are they?

Answer 1

Duodenum, particularly rich in the first half. The secrete an alkaline fluid composed of mucin, which protects the duodenal epithelium form the acidic chyme of the stomach.

Question 2

What is volvulus?

Answer 2

A volvulus is when a loop of intestine twists around itself and the mesentery that supports it, resulting in a bowel obstruction. Symptoms include abdominal pain, abdominal bloating, vomiting, constipation, and bloody stool.

Question 3

Internal anal sphincter

Answer 3

Smooth muscle, involuntary control, in resting conditions provides the greatest component of contraction.

Question 4

External anal sphincter

Answer 4

Striated muscle, voluntary control. Recruited in reflex reaction to coughing/sneezing.

Question 5

What is the infection hypothesis of coeliac disease?

Answer 5

Infection with adenovirus 12 in genetically susceptible individuals. Peptide on alpha-gliadin similar to that within E1b portion o the virus which leads to cross reactivity and development of coeliac disease.

Question 6

What things enhance iron absorption?

Answer 6

Ascorbic acid (vitamin C) and citric acid.

Question 7

What things inhibit iron absorption?

Answer 7

Phytates and tannins (tea).

Question 8

What is refractory coeliac disease?

Answer 8

Recurrent malabsorptive symptoms and villous atrophy despite strict adherence to a gluten-free diet for at least 6-12 months in the absence of other causes of responsive treated coeliac disease and overt malignancy. Type 1 (persistent villous atrophy but normal immunophenotype) and type 2 (persistent villous atrophy with abnormal immunophenotype).