The ileum Flashcards
The ileum…
The ileum is a region of the small intestine following the duodenum that is long with a small lumen.
…….
Involved in the absorption of digestive products and the movement of undigested food toward the large intestine, it is adapted for absorption.
The mucosa
Mucosa - Highly folded with numerous villi, at the base of the villi are crypts which secrete mucous and digestive enzymes from Paneth cells. The Epithelium is columnar and contains goblet cells which produce protective mucous, also has microvilli to increases the surface area for absorption of digested food.
The muscularis mucosa….
Allows movement of the villi to enhance diffusion gradients for absorption.
The Submucosa….
Has a rich blood supply and lymph vessels, to carry absorbed nutrients from the intestine toward the liver via the hepatic portal vein.
The muscularis externa….
Has two layers of involuntary smooth muscle, these layers work antagonistically to produce wave like contractions known as peristalsis.
The serosa…
Has a protective layer of connective tissue, the mesentery connects to the peritoneum and supports the coiled intestine.
