Lower GI

Question 1

Common radiographic procedures for lower GI:

Answer 1

Small bowel series and barium enema.

Question 2

What is a small bowel series?

Answer 2

• Radiographic exam of the small bowel.
• It frequently follows UGI.
• Called SBFT (Small bowel follow through)
• Requires oral contrast media

Question 3

What is a barium enema?

Answer 3

Called: BE, lower GI Series, Colon.

Study of large intestine

Question 4

Three parts of the small intestine:

Answer 4

Duodenum
Jejunum
ileum

Question 5

Where does the small intestine begin?

Answer 5

At the pyloric valve.

Question 6

Describe the duodenum:

Answer 6

Located within RUQ and LUQ.
Shortest, widest and most fixed.
Joins jejunum at duodenojejunal flexure at LUQ.
Shortest part of S.B.

Question 7

Describe the Jejunum

Answer 7

Located within LUQ and LLQ.
Means “empty” because at death it’s found empty.
Makes up 2/5ths of S.B.
Begins at the site of duodenojejunal flexure under transverse colon.

Question 8

Bulk of chemical digestion and nutrient absorption occurs in

Answer 8

Jejunum

Question 9

Where are the plicae circulares located?

Answer 9

Within the jejunum.

Question 10

What is the function of the plicae circulares?

Answer 10

increase surface area to aid with absorption

Question 11

How do the plicae circulares appear radiographically?

Answer 11

Produce feathery appearance of jejunum

Question 12

Describe the ileum:

Answer 12

Located within RUQ, RLQ and LLQ.
Distal 3/5ths of S.B.
Longest portion.
Thinner wall and fewer plicae circulares
The last portion of the ileum is called the terminal ileum.
Joins large intestine at ileocecal valve (sphincter or fold).

Question 13

The ileocecal valve is located

Answer 13

in the RLQ of abdomen.

Question 14

What is the function of the ileocecal valve?

Answer 14

Controls the flow of chyme from the ileum to cecum

Question 15

Describe the duodenum:

Answer 15

C-shaped.
Distal to stomach.
2nd &3rd portions contain more plicae circularis that contain villi.

Question 16

How does the duodenum appear radiographically?

Answer 16

The duodenum appears feathery as a result of the plicae circulares that contain villi.

Question 17

The Jejunum also contains plicae circularis, however:

Answer 17

The number and size of folds gradually diminish as jejunum merge with ileum.

Question 18

Describe the ileum:

Answer 18

Located within RUQ, RLQ, and LLQ.
Smoother. 
Fewer indentations.
Less feathery.
Internal diameter gets smaller from duodenum to ileum.