Upper GIT Flashcards
What is the GI tract?
A continuous tube which stretches from mouth to anus
What is the function of the GIT?
Provide the body with continual supply of water, electrolyte, vitamins and nutrients
What is the peritoneum?
A serous membrane which lines the abdominopelvic cavity and invests viscera
What are the 2 layers of the peritoneum?
- Parietal peritoneum
2. Visceral peritoneum
Where does the parietal peritoneum line?
Internal surface of the abdominopelvic wall
Where does the visceral peritoneum line?
Viscera such as stomach and intestines
What are retroperitoneal structures?
Structures within abdominal cavity which are not suspended by a mesentery
Where are retroperitoneal structures located?
Between the peritoneum and the posterior abdominal wall
Name 10 retroperitoneal structures
- Supra-renal gland
- Aorta
- Duodenum
- Pancreas
- Ureters
- Inferior vena cava
- Kidneys
- Oesophagus
- Rectum
- Ascending and descending colon
What is a mesentery?
A double layer of peritoneum which suspends some abdominal organs
What do mesenteries connect?
Intra-peritoneal organ to the posterior abdominal wall
How is a mesentery or omenta formed?
When two layers of peritoneum fuse
What are the 2 sacs of the peritoneal cavity?
- Greater sac
2. Lesser sac
Why is the lesser sac necessary?
Compensates for stretch of stomach following consumption of food
What is an omentum?
A double layer of peritoneum which joins two viscera
Name 2 omenta
- Great omenta
2. Lesser omenta
What is the greater omentum?
Four layered peritoneal fold which hangs like an apron from greater curvature of stomach
Where is the greater omentum attached?
Greater curvature of stomach and transverse colon
What is the lesser omentum?
A double layered peritoneal fold which connects lesser curvature of the stomach and proximal part of duodenum to the liver
What is the dividing line between the greater and lesser sac?
Transverse mesocolon
What is the oesophagus?
A muscular tube which joins the pharynx from vertebral level C6 to stomach ending at vertebral level T11