Small Intestine Flashcards
3 sections of small intestine+ lengths
What connects them
Duodenum (25cm)
Jejenum (2.5m)
Ileum (3.75m)
Mesentery= throws small intestine into folds, connective tissue for nerve+ blood supply
Layers of digestive epithelium (outside to in)
Serosa- allows intestine outside layers to move over itself
Longitudinal muscle- runs along gut
Circular muscle- contracts+ closes off lumen
Submucosa- provides layer of tissue for blood supply + nerves within intestinal wall sit
Mucosa- arranged in circular folds (invaginations called Crypts of Lieberkühn + covered in villi (increase SA)
Villi
Motile
Rich blood supply
Lymph drainage
Good innervation from submucosal plexus (nerve network in submucosa)= susceptible to nervous control
1 cell thick epithelium made of enterocytes (columnar absorptive cells)
Cell types of small intestine in
Mucosa- type of epithelium?
Crypts of Lieberkühn
Mucosa- simple columnar epithelium made of Primarily enterocytes (absorptive, covered in microvilli, most abundant, frequent renewal) Goblet cells (mucous secreting) Enteroendocrine cells (hormone secreting)
Crypts of Lieberkühn Paneth cells (antibacterial, protect stem cells) Stem cells (migrate up villus, pluripotent for cell renewal)
Enterocytes Site of nucleus? Specialisation? Lifespan? Microvilli covered in? Function?
Basal nucleus
Absorption+ transport of substances
1-6 days
Microvilli covered in glycocalyx- hairy bits on microvilli, rich carbohydrate layer on apical membrane.
Function= protection from lumen but also allows for absorption. Traps ‘unstirred layer’ of water+ mucus= regulates absorption rate from lumen. Also contains enzymes helpful for digestion+ trap water
How much larger is small intestine SA than just cylinder
500 fold increase (0.4m^2 to 200 m^2)
Goblet cells
Contain?
Spread of goblet cells along small intestine?
2nd most abundant cell type
Contain mucous containing granules
Mucous
Increase frequency along small intestine because absorb more water from food= becomes more solid= need more mucus to help it)
Mucous purpose
Large glycoprotein that facilitates passage of material through bowel
Enteroendocrine cells
Where found+ spread?
Function
Scattered amongst absorptive cells
Found in lower part of crypts
Hormone secretion to influence gut motility
Paneth cells
Found where?
Functions?
REAPP
Only found at the bases of the crypts
Regulate intestinal flora
Engulf some bacteria
Contain large acidophilic granules containing lyzozyme (antibacterial enzyme)+ glycoproteins+ zinc (co-factor)
Protect from protozoa
Protect stem cells which are found at the base of the crypt
Stem cells
Cell feature?
Undifferentiated cells that remain capable of cell division to replenish surface epithelium by differentiation
Divide by mitosis
Migrate up to tip of villus= replace older cells that become senescent and are sloughed into lumen= digested+ reabsorbed
Large nucleus
Why such rapid turnover of cells in epithelium?
What happens if turnover= inhibited?
Enterocytes= first line of defence against GI pathogens+ may be affected by toxic substances in diet= effect of agents that interfere with cell function etc= diminished
Any lesions= short-lived
Sever intestinal dysfunction
Cholera enterotoxin
What happens?
Treatment?
Prolonged opening of Cl channels in small intestine= uncontrolled water secretion= dehydration+ death
Treatment= rehydration, epithelium will be replaced
What can distinguish the duodenum apart?
Brunner’s glands
Secrete alkaline fluid into gut lumen into base of crypts
Help neutralise potential damage to cells
Optimal enzymes in ileum
Neutralise acidic chyme from small intestine+ protects epithelium
What can distinguish the jejunum apart?
Presence of plicae circulares/ valves of Kercking
Many large folds in submucosa
Also in duodenum+ ileum but here they are taller, thinner, more frequent
Leads to increase SA