The small intestine - duodenum Flashcards
where is the small intestines?
an organ located in GI tract
what does the small intestine assist with?
digestion and absorption of ingested food
where does the small intestine extend from to?
pylorus of stomach to iliocaecal junction
what happens at the iliocaecal junction?
the small intestine meets the large intestine
how can the small bowel be divided?
into 3 parts:
- duodenum
- jejunum
- ileum
where can the duodenum be found in the small intestines?
the most proximal part of the small intestines
where does the duodenum run?
from pylorus to duodenojejunal junction
how can the duodenum be divided?
into 4 parts: superior descending inferior ascending
what shape does the duodenum form and around what?
a C shape around the head of pancreas
where does the superior part of the duodenum ascend from?
5cm
ascend from pylorus of stomach
what is the superior part of the duodenum connected to and by what?
connected to liver by hepatoduodenal ligament
what is likely to occur at the superior part of the duodenum?
duodenal ulcers
what is the nerve root of the superior part of the duodenum?
L1
what are the nerve roots of the descending part of the duodenum?
L1-L3
where does the descending portion of the duodenum travel?
The descending portion curves inferiorly around the head of the pancreas.
where does the descending portion of the duodenum lie?
It lies posteriorly to the transverse colon, and anteriorly to the right kidney
How is the descending duodenum marked internally?
Internally, the descending duodenum is marked by the major duodenal papilla
what is the duodenal papilla?
an opening for bile and pancreatic secretions to enter
what is the duct responsible for carrying pancreatic secretions known as?
ampulla of Vater or hepatopancreatic ampulla
what are the nerve roots of the inferior duodenum?
L3
where does the inferior section of the duodenum travel? what does it cross over?
The inferior section travels laterally to the left, crossing over the inferior vena cava and aorta.
where is the inferior section of the duodenum located?
It is located inferiorly to the pancreas, and posteriorly to the superior mesenteric artery and vein.
what are the nerve roots of the anterior part of the duodenum?
L2-L3
what happens after the anterior duodenum crosses the aorta?
After the duodenum crosses the aorta, it ascends and curves anteriorly to join the jejunum at a sharp turn
what is the sharp turn at which the duodenum joins to the jejunum?
known as the duodenojejunal flexure
what is located at the duodenojejunal junction? what is it called?
Located at the duodenojejunal junction is a slip of muscle called the suspensory muscle of the duodenum.
what happens during contraction of the suspensory muscle of the duodenum?
Contraction of this muscle widens the angle of the flexure, and increases movement of the intestinal contents into the jejunum.
what is a duodenal ulcer?
A duodenal ulcer is the erosion of the duodenal mucosa in a particular area.
what can a duodenal ulcer also be known as?
peptic ulcer, although this term also used to refer to gastric ulcerations
where are duodenal ulcers most likely to occur?
superior portion of the duodenum
what is the most common cause of duodenal ulcers?
helicobacter pylori infection
what is used to treat duodenal ulcers?
chronic NSAID
when can complications occur with duodenal ulcers?
An ulcer in itself is not particularly troublesome. However, it can give rise to some serious complications if the duodenal wall is perforated
how can the duodenal wall be perforated?
Inflammation of the peritoneum (peritonitis)
Erosion of the gastroduodenal artery
what happens in inflammation of the peritoneum (peritonitis)?
causing damage to the surrounding viscera, such as the liver, pancreas and gall bladder
what happens in erosion of the gastroduodenal artery?
subsequent haemorrhage
