Gastrointestinal tract via Dissection Flashcards
(17 cards)
What are the principal structures of the mammalian gastrointestinal tract?
Mouth (with salivary glands), oesophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, liver, gallbladder, pancreas.
What muscle separates the thoracic cavity from the abdominal cavity?
The diaphragm.
What organ should be carefully excised to begin identifying GI tract structures?
The liver.
What are the three regions of the small intestine?
Duodenum, jejunum, ileum.
What are the major structures of the large intestine to be identified?
Caecum, appendix, colon.
What stain is used to view tissue slides under the microscope?
Haematoxylin.
What color does haematoxylin stain cell nuclei?
Dark purple.
What tissues should you examine under the microscope in this practical?
Liver, pancreas, small intestinal mucosa, large intestinal mucosa, stomach.
What structural characteristic should you relate to function during microscopic examination?
Cell structure and tissue organization.
What connective tissue must be carefully cut to free the intestines from the body wall?
The mesentery.
What anatomical features can help identify the caecum during large intestine examination?
its pouch-like structure located at the junction between small and large intestines.
How can vascular attachments help you identify regions of the small intestine?
Different vascular patterns can help distinguish the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum.
What is the functional significance of the villi observed in the small intestine under the microscope?
They increase surface area for nutrient absorption.
What is the difference in appearance between small and large intestinal mucosa under a microscope?
Small intestine has long villi; large intestine has more goblet cells and lacks villi.
What is the primary function of the pancreas in the GI system?
Produces digestive enzymes and bicarbonate, and regulates blood sugar via endocrine function.
What cellular feature in liver histology indicates high metabolic activity?
Dense clusters of nuclei and prominent hepatocytes.
What is the role of goblet cells in the large intestine?
Secretion of mucus to lubricate and protect the intestinal lining.
