S2) Physiology of the Gut Flashcards
Which three systems/mechanisms control the gut?
- Autonomic nervous system
- Enteric nervous system
- Hormones and paracrine substances
Identify the two neurons in the autonomic nervous system
- Preganglionic neuron
- Postganglionic neuron
Distinguish between the function of preganglionic and postganglionic fibres
- The preganglionic fibre synapse with an autonomic ganglia outside the CNS
- The postganglionic fibre synapse on peripheral effector organs
Which substances are released by postganglionic and preganglionic nerve fibres respectively?
- All preganglionic fibres release Ach
- Post ganglionic fibres release Ach, neuropeptides or noradrenaline
Describe the anatomical position of the sympathetic nerve fibres
- Found at T5-L3
- Pass through (paravertebral) sympathetic trunk without synapsing
The SNS forms presynaptic splanchnic (abdominopelvic) nerves.
Identify them
- Greater (T5-9)
- Lesser (T10-11)
- Least (T12)
The splanchnic nerves synapse with prevertebral ganglia and mainly innervate blood vessels.
Identify some of these prevertebral ganglia
- Coeliac
- Renal
- Superior mesenteric
- Inferior mesenteric
Identify the nervous structures of the parasympathetic system
- Vagus nerve
- Pelvic splanchnic nerves (S2-4)
Which substances do postganglionic nerve fibres release in the parasympathetic nervous system?
- Acetylcholine
- Peptides
I. Gastrin releasing peptide
II. Vaso inhibitory peptide
What do preganglionic fibres do in the parasympathetic nervous system?
- Preganglionic fibres synapse in walls of the viscera
- Innervate smooth muscle/endocrine and secretory glands
Compare and contrast the structures innervated by the PNS and SNS
- Sympathetic nervous system: coeliac ganglia, superior mesenteric, inferior mesenteric
- Parasympathetic nervous system:
I. Vagus nerve: oesophagus→transverse colon
II. Pelvic nerve: transverse colon→anal canal
Compare and contrast the ganglionic fibres of the PNS and SNS
- Sympathetic nervous system:
I. Short preganglionic fibres
II. Post ganglionic fibres extend to myenteric and submucosal plexuses
III. Noradrenergic
- Parasympathetic nervous system:
I. Long preganglionic fibres
II. Post ganglionic fibres extend to myenteric and submucosal plexuses
III. Cholinergic and peptidergic
The enteric nervous system is a division of the overall system.
Describe its role in the body
- Can function completely independently (from brain)
- Exists from oesophagus to anus
What are the two main plexuses in the enteric nervous system and where are the found?
- Submucosal (Meissner’s) – submucosa
- Myenteric (Auerbach’s) – in between circular and longitudinal muscle
What are the functions of the two plexuses in the enteric nervous system?
- Submucosal (Meissner’s) – secretions and blood flow
- Myenteric (Auerbach’s) – motility
What do the plexuses of the enteric nervous system communicate with?
- Parasympathetic (vagus and pelvic nerves)
- Sympathetic (prevertebral ganglia)
What are the two broad categories for gastro-intestinal hormones?
- Gastrin family:
I. Gastrin
II. Cholecystokinin (CCK)
- Secretin family:
I. Secretin
II. Gastric inhibitory polypeptide (GIP)
Describe the role of G cells in the secretion of gastrin
- G cells in antrum of stomach
- Increases gastric acid secretion
Describe the role of I cells in the secretion of CCK
- I cells in duodenum and jejunum
- Increases pancreatic/gallbladder secretions
I. Stimulated by fat and protein
II. Gallbladder contracts and pancreas stimulated
Describe the role of S cells in the duodenum in the secretion of secretin
- Stimulated by H+ and fatty acids
- Increases HCO3 from pancreas/gallbladder
- Decreases gastric acid secretion
Describe the role of cells in the duodenum and jejunum in the secretion of GIP
- Stimulated by sugars, amino acids and fatty acids
- Increases insulin
- Decreases gastric acid secretion
Describe visceral pain in accordance to the primitive gut tube divisions
- Foregut structures: epigastric pain
- Midgut structures: periumbilical pain
- Hindgut structures: suprapubic/hypogastric pain
What are other sorts of pain that can be felt in the body and their associated conditions?
- Right upper quadrant/right shoulder tip pain: gallstones
- Back pain: pancreatitis/AAA
- Retrosternal pain: oesophagus