Physiology and Pharmacology of the large intestine (laxatives and purgatives) Flashcards
what makes up the large intestine
caecum and appendix, colon, rectum, anal canal, anus
what are the parts of the colon
ascending, transverse, descending, sigmoid
describe the smooth muscle of the large intestine
Longitudinal smooth muscle layer in caecum and colon is divided into three strands – the taeniae coli, but encircles the rectum and anal canal
describe the muscles of the anal sphincter
smooth muscle is thickened at the internal anal sphincter, which is surrounded by the skeletal muscle of the external anal sphincter
what does the taeniae coli and circular muscle layers create
haustra- sac like bulges
what are the functions of the caecum and appendix
none in human- used to metabolise cellulose in other species
what permits the entry of food into the caecum and from where
entry from terminal ileum permitted by the gastroilea reflex in response to gastrin and CCK through the ileac valve
what is the function of the ileocaecal valve
maintaining a positive resting pressure
relaxing in response to distension of the duodenum
contracting in response to distension of the ascending colon
what controls the ileocaecal valve
vagus nerve, sympathetic nerve, enteric neurones and hormonal signals
where does the appendix attach to
the distal caecum
describe the absorptive functions of the colon
removes sodium and chloride (and water follows) from the lumen and transports it to the blood- starts to form solid stool
also absorbs products of bacteria metabolism; short chain fatty acid generated by bacteria
describe the secretory function of the colon
produces acidic enzymes, but neutralised by secretory functions of large intestine
net movement of K and HCO3 from blood to lumen
secretes mucous with a protective function- forms gel over epithelium and lubricates
what are the other functions of the colon
a reservoir and periodic expulsion of faeces
describe the mucosa of the colon
lacks villi but possesses colonic folds, crypts and microvilli that increase SA
what mediates electrolyte absorption in the colon
surface epithelial cells
what does electolyte absorption drive
absorption of H2O
what mediates ion secretion
crypts
what do goblet cells secrete
lots of mucous (when hydrated forms slippery gel)
trefoil proteins involved in host defence
what hormone enhances Na+ absorption and K+ secretion
aldosterone