Oesophagus and stomach Flashcards
What are the components of the GI system?
- parotid, sublingual and sub mandibular gland (salivary glands)
- oesophagus
- stomach
- liver
- gall bladder
- pancreas
- transverse colon, descending colon, ascending colon, sigmoid colon (colon)
- duodenum, ileum, jejunum (small intestine)
- appendix
- rectum
- anus
What are the main layers of the gut wall?
- mucosa (epithelium, lamina propria: loose connective tissue, musclaris muscosae: thin layer of muscle)
- submucosa (connective tissue and nerve plexus)
- musclaris (smooth muscle and nerve plexus)
- serosa/adventia (connective tissue, epithelium)
Which side is the mucosa towards?
the lumen
At which vertebral level does the oesophagus start and finish?
Starts at C5 and ends at T10
What are some structures that are located near the oesophagus?
trachea, aorta and diaphragm
Is the trachea and pericardium anterior or posterior to the oesophagus?
anterior
Is the descending aorta and thoracic duct anterior or posterior to the oesophagus?
posterior
At which vertebral levels is the thoracic duct posterior?
Between T7 and T4
What type of epithelium is in the oesophagus and why?
Non-keratinizing stratified squamous
- Withstands βwear & tearβ in extremes of temperatures and textures.
- Lubricates with mucus glands.
What is the function of the oesophagus?
conduit for food, drink and swallowed secretions from the pharynx to the stomach
What are the two main places where muscles are needed in the oesophagus?
- upper oesophageal sphincter
- lower oesophageal sphincter
Usually they are kept closed
What is the composition of the upper oesophageal sphincter?
It is made of skeletal muscle and is under involuntary control
What is the composition of the lower oesophageal sphincter?
It is made of smooth and skeletal muscle and is activated by the swallowing centre of the brain
What is the purpose of the sphincter?
The thorax has a negative pressure while the gut is slightly above atmospheric pressure so the sphincters act to restrict the escape of substances from the stomach as it has a tendency to rise.
How does the muscle change from the pharynx to the diaphragm?
from skeletal muscle to smooth
in between there is a mixture
How is muscle organised to allow peristalsis to occur?
- Longitudinal and circular layers of muscle exist
- Circular muscle contracts above the food while it relaxes below the food
which enables peristalsis - Gravity has no effect on peristalsis