Intestines and the Portal-Systemic Anastomoses Flashcards
The pylorus empties the contents of the stomach into the:
Duodenum (first part of the small intestine)
Where does most of the absorption occur in the GI tract?
In the small intestine - its length varies, but averages 6-7 meters. Excision of up to one third of it is compatible with a fairly normal lifestyle
Where is the small intestine located?
Behind (posterior) the greater omentum and is connected to the vertebral column by the mesentery, which is the double-layered peritoneum that encloses both the jejunum and ileum and attaches them to the posterior abdominal wall
Where does the jejunum begin and course?
Begins at the duodeno-jejunal flexure and is about 2/5 of the entire small intestine.
Both the jejunum and the ileum are greatly coiled and are covered by the:
Greater omentum. There is no clear line of demarcation between the jejunum and ileum
How do we tell the jejunum and ileum apart?
The beginning of the jejunum and the end of the ileum have distinct morphological characteristics
Describe the musculature of the jejunum:
- It has a wider (larger) diameter with thicker walls.
- It has both longitudinal (superficial) and circular (deep) muscle layers
- Its lumen has numerous circular folds (plicae circulares) that can be felt thru the wall of the jejunum
What is the purpose of the circular folds in the jejunum?
THey greatly increase the surface area for absorption
What is distinct about the mesentery connecting the jejunum to the vertebrae?
Relatively fat free and therefore transparent in the living body
What is the arterial supply to the jejunum supplied by?
The jejunal branches of the superior mesenteric artery.
Where do the jejunal branches arise from?
The left side of the superior mesenteric artery and pass between the two layers of the mesentery to form arterial loops
Where do the vasa recta (straight vessels) arise from?
The arterial loops (arcade) and pass to the jejunum. These straight arteries are longer than those of the ileum and they do not anastomose within the mesentery.
Do the vasa recta anastomose?
They pass to the alternate sides of the jejunum and anastomose extensively within the jejunum
Where is the venous drainage of the jejunum?
To the superior mesenteric vein which parallels the SMA. The SMA joins the hepatic portal vein
Describe lymphatic drainage of the jejunum (and ileum):
It is extensive for both. Lymphatics of the small intestine are called LACTEALS. Dissolved fats give the lymphatic fluid a milk-like appearance.
Lymphatic vessels pass into the mesentery and drain into:
The mesenteric lymph nodes which are located near the intestinal wall, along the arterial arcades and the proximal part of the SMA
All lymph nodes ultimately drain into the:
Superior mesenteric nodes
Describe the ileum:
- It is the portion of the intestine between the jejunum and the ileocecal valvle
- It is the distal 3/5 of the small intestine distal to the duodenum
What regions of the abdominal cavity does the ileum occupy?
The hypogastric and inguinal region. Its terminal part usually occupies the pelvis minor
What are Peyer’s patches?
Aggregated lymph nodes are abundant in the ileum. They are longer and more numerous than those of the jejunum.
Describe the musculature of the ileum:
- The diameter is narrower and its walls are thinner and less vascular than those of the jejunum
- It has both longitudinal and circular layers but the circular folds decrease in size and number proximal to distal and are entirely absent in is terminal part
Describe the mesentery enclosing the ileum:
- It has abundant fat and therefore less transparent than that of the jejunum. The jejunum and ileum are attached to the posterior abdominal wall by an extensive fold of peritoneum, the mesentery, which allows free motion so that each intestinal coil can accommodate itself to changes in form and position
What lies between the two layers of mesentery?
Blood vessels, nerves, lacteals, and variable amounts of fat
Arterial supply of the ileum is provided by:
Ileal branches from the SMA. These ileal branches form complex arcades within the mesentery and straight arteries (vasa recta) supply the ileum.
Are the vasa recta shorter in the ileum or the jejunum?
Vasa recta of the ileum are shorter than those of the jejunum
The venous drainage of the jejunum is accomplished via:
The superior mesenteric vein, which then joins the splenic vein to form the hepatic portal vein
Describe the innervation of the small intestine:
- Supplied by autonomic and sensory fibers from the celiac and superior mesenteric plexuses
- These fibers accompany arteries to the small intestine
- These sensory fibers include both pain fibers and fibers concerned with the reflex regulation of food movement and secretion
What is the small intestine sensitive to?
Distention, not pain (including cutting and burning?)
The large intestine is between:
The cecum and rectum
Defining characteristics of the colon:
- Large diameter
- Thin walls
- Three thickened bands of longitudinal muscle - TAENIA COLI
- The sacculations of its wall between the taenia, called HAUSTRA
- Small pouches of omentum (peritoneum) filled with fat - OMENTAL APPENDICES
What is the taenia coli?
Three bands of outer longitudinal muscle layers, spaced approximately 12 mm apart
The mesocolic taenia is related to:
The transverse mesocolon
The omental taenia is related to:
The greater omentum
The free taenia is related to:
Nothing in particular