The Intestines

Question 1

What is the difference in the anatomical structuring of the blood supply between the jejunum and ileum?

Answer 1

Jejunum has longer vasa recta with less arterial arcades and vice versa.

Question 2

How does water absorption differ in the large and small intestine?

Answer 2

large intestine - apical ENaC

small intestine - apical glucose and AA/ Na symport

Question 3

Give some symptoms of IBS.

Answer 3

Abdominal pain - relieved by defecations (cramping pain)
Bloating
Flatulence
Diarrhoea/ constipation (+/- alternating)
Rectal urgency

Question 4

What are some risk factors for IBS?

Answer 4

post-acute GI infection 
young age 
Prolonged fever
Anxiety 
Depression 
Female 
Vit D deficiency?

Question 5

Give 3 pathological changes that could be seen in coeliac disease.

Answer 5

Intestinal villious atrophy
Lengthening of intestinal crypts
INvasion of lymphocytes into the epithelium

Question 6

What investigations should be carried out in suspected coeliac disease?

Answer 6

IgA to smooth muscle endomysium TG
IgA to Tissue tTG
Upper GI endoscopy