large bowel Flashcards
what does the large bowel consist of
colon, caecum, appendix, rectum and anal canal
what is the caecum
blind pouch just distal to the ileocecal valve (communicates terminal ileum to colon) which is larger in herbivores
what is the appendix
the appendix is a thin, finger like extension of the caecum - not physiologically relevant in humans
what are the principal functions of the large bowel
reabsorption of electrolytes and water
the elimination of undigested food and waste
what is the length and diameter of the large bowel
1.5m long - 6cm in diameter
where is the ascending colon
is on the right side of the abdomen, runs from the caecum to the hepatic flexure (the turn of the colon by the liver)
where is the transverse colon
runs from the hepatic flexure to the splenic flexure (the turn of the colon by the spleen), hangs off the stomach, attached by a wide band of tissue called the greater omentum (posterior side, mesocolon)
where is the descending colon
runs from the splenic flexure to the sigmoid colon
where is the sigmoid colon
(s shaped) colon runs from the descending colon to the rectum
what supplies the proximal transverse colon with blood
the proximal transverse colon is supplied with blood by the middle colic artery (branch of the superior mesenteric artery)
what is the distal 3rd of the transverse colon perfused by
distal third of transverse colon is perfused by the inferior mesenteric artery
what is the region between the distal and proximal third of the transverse colon sensitive to
sensitive to ischemia because blood supply is not as extensive
what does the peritoneum carry
the peritoneum carries fatty tags (appendices epiploicae)
how many bands does the muscle coat have
3 thick longitudinal bands (taeniae coli)
what is the gut wall like in appearance
pouched in appearance (haustra)
what is the structural or functional purpose of the appendices epiploicae
unknown - suggested to have a protective function against intra-abdominal infections