Regulation of GI functions Flashcards
What are the four functional layers of the GI tract?
mucosa, submucosa, muscularis, and serosa
What is the plexus in the submucosa? What is its main function?
Contains submucosa plexus (Meissner’s). More about glandular secretion (function of the submucosa plexus)
What is the plexus in the muscularis layer? What is its main function?
Contains the myenteric plexus (Auerbach’s). More about muscle movement (function of the myenteric plexus)
How is the innervation of the GI tract divided?
(1) intrinsic innervation
(2) extrinsic innervation
What is the extrinsic innervation of the GI tract?
extrinsic innervation is via the autonomic nervous system; ANS innervates the ENS
What is the intrinsic innervation of the GI tract?
enteric nervous system
What is the enteric nervous system?
enteric nervous system is the inter-connected submucosal and myenteric plexuses; contains the PSNS ganglion and postganglionic neurons
Where is the enteric nervous system derived from?
Like ANS, the ENS is derived from migrating neural crest cells
What are the prevertebral ganglia (sympathetic innervation)?
Celiac (innervates stomach, small intestine), superior mesenteric (innervates distal portion of the small intestine, large intestine and ascending and transverse colon), inferior mesenteric (innervates transverse colon, distal colon, rectum)
What portion of the GI tract does the vagus nerve innervate?
Up to the splenic fixture (up to the transverse colon). Sacral portion of the nervous system innervates the remainder
What is the parasympathetic innervation to the transverse colon, distal colon, and rectum?
Postganglionic neurons in Auerbach’s and Meissner’s plexuses
How is visceral pain related to dermatoes?
referred pain; visceral pain will be located in the related dermatome of the same spinal segment.
Where are the cell bodies of the sympathetic prepanglionic neurons located?
Lateral horn of the spinal cord (between T1-L2)
Landmark for T4 dermatome?
Nipples
Landmark for T10?
Belly but-ten
Landmark for L1?
L1 is IL (inguinal ligament)
S2, S3, S4?
keep the penis off the floor
Describe the somatic motor system
single neuron, releases Ach which binds to a nicotinic receptor
Describe the parasympathetic nervous system
pre and postganglion; preganglion (long) releases Ach which binds to a nicotinic receptor; postganglion (short) releases Ach which binds to a muscarnic receptor
Describe the normal (forget the expections) sympathetic nervous system
pre and postganglion; preganglion (short) releases Ac which binds to a nicotinic receptor; postganglion releases norepi. which binds to adrenergic receptors
What the exceptions to the normal sympathetic nervous system (2 exceptions)?
(1) Sweat glands; the postganglion of sweat gland releases Ach.
(2) Adrenal medulla releases epi. after Ach is released by preganglionic neurons
What is the affect of Ach on the GI tract?
contracts smooth muscle, relaxes internal sphincter, increases salivary, gastric, and pancreatic secretion
What is the affect of Norepi. on the GI tract?
relaxes smooth muscle, contracts internal sphincters, reduces watery glandular secretions
How to interpret questions involving the GI tract?
Remember, the enteric nervous system can and does function autonomously. Loss of ANS innervation will not cause prevent GI motility completely. If you are given a question with a patient who is unable to poop, first chose the question that is related to decrease enteric function. if that is not an option, then focus on ANS related answers
Definition of protuberate
to swell or bulge (a patient with a protuberate abdomen is constipated)
What is hirschsprung disease?
Congenital megacolon characterized by lack of ganglion cells/enteric nervous plexuses in distal segment of colon. Due to failure of neural crest cell migretion. Associated with mutations in RET
What is RET?
Mutations in the RET gene are the most common known genetic cause of Hirschsprung disease. The RET gene provides instructions for producing a protein that is involved in signaling within cells. This protein appears to be essential for the normal development of several kinds of nerve cells, including nerves in the intestine. Mutations in the RET gene that cause Hirschsprung disease result in a nonfunctional version of the RET protein that cannot transmit signals within cells. Without RET protein signaling, enteric nerves do not develop properly. Absence of these nerves leads to the intestinal problems characteristic of Hirschsprung disease.
Treatment for Hirschsprung disease?
Resection
What is meant by the term neurocrine?
specialized paracine (subdivision of paracrine comunication) involving a neuron; occurs in the gut
What is paracine communication? What are some examples?
No blood travel and act locally; somatostatin and histamine
What is endocrine communication? What are some examples?
Must travel in blood and act at a distance; gastrin, CCK, secretin, GIP and GLP-1
Nae an example of a substance that acts as both a hormone and paracrine substance?
Somatostatin (paracrine substance in GI tract/hormone in the endocrine system - inhibits GnRH #tbt)
What nerves innervate the enteric nervous system, in terms of sympathetic and parasympathetic fibers?
sympathetic - mainly postganglionc, parasympathetic - preganglionic
Name all 5 neurotransmitters in the ENS
vasoactive intestinal polypeptide, substance p, enkephalins (opiates), neuropeptide y, gastrin-releasing peptide (GRP)
Hey! What’s a cool way to remember the 5 neurotransmitters in the EMS?
VIP Opiates GSN (game show network)
What is the function of vasoactive intestinal polypeptide?
relaxes smooth muscle but increases salivary, gastric, and pancreatic secretion
What is the function of substance p?
(co-secreted with Ach) contracts smooth muscle and increases salivary glands secretions. “Think of it as a helper to Ach”
What is the function of enkephalins (opiates)?
contract smooth muscle and sphincters, reduces glandular secretions. Overall, however, opiates cause constipation because they disrupt the normal contraction and relaxation cycles require for propulsion