Lecture 12 Flashcards
What is the majority of the small intestine suspended by?
Mesentery
What are the circular folds in the small intestine called?
Plicae circularis
What is the evaginating part of the small intestine wall called?
Villus
What is the invaginating part of the small intestine wall called?
Intestinal gland or Crypt of Lieberkuhn
What is the function of the smooth muscle found in the core of the villus?
Smoth muscle contraction produces rhythmic beating of villi that is enhanced during digestion. Ensures maximal exposure of luminal contents with epithelial cells. Milks lacteal contents along.
What can happen to the blood supply to the small intestine in the elderly?
Decreased blood circulation leads to decreased absorption, which can lead to malabsorption and malnutrition
On which surface of epithelial cells are microvilli found?
Apical
What is the function of microvilli?
Increased SA for absorption and digestion
How does contraction of the smooth muscle in the lamina propria lead to mixing at the epithelial cells in the small intestine?
Actin filaments are inbedded in the microvilli and are connected to cytoskeleton filaments in the cell. When the smooth muscle contracts, this moves the basement membrane, which moves the epithelial cell above it. This is transferred to the cytoskeleton, which is transferred to the actin filaments, leading to localised mixing of the contents.
What is the glycocalyx? What is it made up of?
Slippery film made up of many glycoproteins and acidic mucopolysaccharides
What is the function of the glycocalyx?
Selective gatekeeper: attracts desirable and blocks unwanted molecules.
What are the functions of the goblet cells?
Help lubricate the surface
May contribute to glycocalyx layer
Do goblet cells have microvilli on their apical surfaces?
NO
Where are enteroendocrine cells found in the small intestine?
Deeper in crypts of Lieberkuhn but spread out.
Where are undifferentiated cells found in the small intestine?
In the gland region. Migrate upwards and downwards to replace cells.
Where are Paneth cells found in the small intestine?
Cul de sac region
What is the function of Paneth cells?
Important for antiviral and antibacterial functions
What are the 3 substances that Paneth cells produce?
TNF-alpha: Produces inflammation in response to bacteria and parasites
Lysozyme: Bactericidal, destroys bacterial membranes
Defensins: Increases ion channels in cell membranes of invading organisms, increasing permeability
Where are the enteroendocrine cell hormones released?
Liberated through basal lamina into capillaries of lamina propria
How long is the duodenum?
25 cm
What are the distinguishing features of the duodenum?
C-shaped
Brunner’s glands in submucosa
How long is the jejunum?
2.5 m
What is the distinguishing feature of the jejunum?
Increased plicae and therefore increased villi