Lecture 23: LARGE INTESTINE AND LIVER Flashcards
Why is the large intestine called the large intestine?
Because of its large diameter
What does the large intestine consist of?
Cecum, colon and rectum
What does the ileum empty into?
The cecum
What is the colon divided into?
Ascending, transverse, descending and sigmoidal
What is between the ascending and transverse colon?
Right colic (hepatic) flexure
What is between the transverse and descending colon?
Left colic (splenic) flexure
Where are the ascending and descending colon?
Retroperitoneal
Where are the transverse and sigmoidal colon?
Intraperitoneal
Where is the iliocecal valve?
At the junction between the small and large intestine
What does the ileocecal valve do?
Regulates the passage of material into the cecum and prevents back flow
What is found in the appendix?
A reserve of large intestine bacteria population. Also contains lymphoid tissue so could have an immune role
Where is the appendix found?
In a variety of locations
What does inflammation of the appendix cause?
Appendicitis
What does a barium enema enable?
X ray images of the large intestine to be taken to assess function
What are features of the large intestine?
Teniae coli, haustra and omental appendices
What are the teniae coli?
Bands of longitudinal smooth muscle
What are haustra?
Series of pouches in the wall of the colon separated by semilunar folds
What are omental appendices?
Sacs of fat for storage
What are teniae coli a modification of?
The muscularis layer (inner circular is still the same)
How many teniae coli are there?
Three bands of (outer) longitudinal smooth muscle
What does the teniae coli allow?
Stronger contraction to move things through the large intestine
Is there villi in the large intestine?
No, because the large surface area for absorption isn’t required