Small Intestine

Question 1

What 2 structures comprise the small intestine and in what proportions?

Answer 1

Jejunum (~2/5)

Ileum (~3/5)

Question 2

What is the length range of the small intestine?

Answer 2

3-10m

Question 3

Where does the small intestine mesentery run between and in what direction?
What is its function?

Answer 3

Duodenojejunal flexure (left of L2) passes obliquely to right sacroiliac joint
Attaches small intestine to posterior abdominal wall

Question 4

What differs between the wall of the jejunum and ileum and why?

Answer 4

Jejunum has a thicker wall
More, larger and taller pilcae circulares (circular folds of mucosa)

Jejunum appears a more deep red colour due to a greater blood supply

Question 5

Describe the appearance of the jejunum mucosa

Answer 5

Tall villi and deep crypts of Lieberkuhn

Question 6

What happens in coeliac disease?

Answer 6

The villi and crypts of Lieberkuhn atrophy

Question 7

What is the rule of 2s? What structure does it relate to?

Answer 7

Found 2 feet from ileocaecal valve in distal ileum
In 2% of the population
2 inches long
Meckel’s diverticulum
Remnant of the embryonic vitellointestinal duct

Question 8

What complications can arise from Meckel’s diverticulum? And why?

Answer 8

Bleeding, inflammation and abdominal pain

Meckel’s diverticulum may constantly gastric mucosa and produce acid

Question 9

What are Peyer’s patches?
Where can they be found?
What complications can occur with them and when?

Answer 9

Aggregates of lymphoid tissue
The small intestine especially the ileum
Enlarge in lymphoma causing luminal obstruction