The Oesophagus and Stomach Flashcards
Describe the basic layering of the gut wall (4 basic layers then 6 basic layers)
Mucosa
Sub-mucosa
Muscularis
Serosa/Adentitia
Epithelium Lamina propria Muscular mucosae Submucosa Smooth muscle (circular then longitudinal) Serosa/adventitia
Where are the nerves mainly found in the gut wall
Submucosa - nerves that control gut function
Smooth muscle
Where are most of the blood vessels found in the gut wall
Submucosa
At what vertebral level does the oesophagus start and end
C5-T10
What does the oesophagus run close to
Trachea
Aorta
Recurrent laryngeal nerves
Pericardium
What are the functions of the oesophagus
Conduit for food, drink and swallowed secretions from pharynx to stomach
Describe the oesophagus epithelium
Non-keratinising stratified squamous
No absorption occurs so it is not thin
Wear and tear lining that can deal with extremes of temp. and texture
Lubricated by mucous secreting glands and saliva
What does tonically active mean
Both of the sphincters of the oesophagus are closed at rest and the upper sphincter opens when swallowing is detected by the swallowing centre of the brain
Describe the composition of muscle in the different levels of the oesophagus
Upper - skeletal
Middle - skeletal and smooth
Lower - smooth
How is bolus moved through the muscle
Peristalsis by circular muscle means muscle immediately above the bolus contracts while the muscle below relaxes
independent of gravity
What occurs when the first peristaltic wave to move bolus in the oesophagus is unsuccessful
A signal is sent up to the brain which initiates a second peristaltic wave to move the bolus into the stomach
How is reflux prevented in the stomach
diaphragm
Describe the epithelium in the stomach
Stratified squamous in the oesophagus and simple columnar epithelium in the stomach
Transition occurs at the Z line
How can pregnancy cause acid reflux
The foetus pushes the stomach and oesophagus up
Causes pressure differences between the thorax and abdomen and acid is more likely to pass up
What is the purpose of the rugae of the stomach
Gastric folds that allows the stomach to expand
What is the function of the stomach
Breaks food into smaller particles (acid + pepsin)
Holds food and releases it at a steady controlled rate into the duodenum
Kills parasites and certain bacteria
Describe the secretions of the stomach
Cardia & Pyloric Region - Mucus only
Body & Fundus - Mucus, HCl, pepsinogen (major protease)
Antrum - Gastrin (hormone produced to facilitate function/stimulates acid production)