The Gastrointestinal System - Large intestine

Question 1

Identify the ileocaecal junction, caecum and the appendix.

Answer 1

On image

Question 2

identify the ascending, transverse and descending colon, hepatic flexure, splenic flexure, rectum, anal canal.

Answer 2

On image

Question 3

What is the mesoappendix?

Answer 3

Mesoappendix: fold of mesentery that suspends the appendix from terminal ileum.

Question 4

Describe the blood supply of the splenic flexure

Answer 4

The blood supply to the splenic flexure and beyond is via the inferior mesenteric artery. It supplies 1/2-1/3 of the transverse colon, descending colon, sigmoid colon, and rectum.

Question 5

What is the mesentery of the transverse colon called?

What does it connect?

Answer 5

transverse mesocolon

It connects the transverse colon to the posterior wall of the abdomen and crosses the duodenum and pancreas.

Question 6

What differences are there between the small intestine and large intestine?

Answer 6

o Taeniae* (tapeworm) coli
o Haustra
o Appendices epiploicae

Question 7

What does the descending colon form?

Answer 7

the sigmoid colon, and finally the rectum.

Question 8

What is the dip in the peritoneum lateral to the ascending and descending colon called?

What is the function of these dips?

Answer 8

These are the paracolic gutters. Fluid may collect in and course through these gutters potentially spreading infection (if infection is present within the abdomen).

Question 9

Do the sigmoid colon (sigmoid mesocolon) and upper part of the rectum have a mesentery?

Answer 9

The sigmoid colon (sigmoid mesocolon) and the upper part of the rectum have a mesentery but the lower rectum lies below the pelvic peritoneum.